The actor took to his social media channels to reveal the news, which means he’ll be joining Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright and the returning Harrison Ford in Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic 1982 movie. Principal photography is due to start on the film in July.

As for Bautista, the six-time World Champion has succeeded where so many before him have failed in terms of wrestlers-turned-actors. He’s impressed many in recent years with turns in the likes of The Man with the Iron Fists, Riddick, SPECTRE and most famously as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The hulking Bautista is currently shooting James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and he’ll also be starring in Kickboxer Vengeance later this year.

From the horse’s mouth, here’s Big Dave revealing the news on his casting:

I’m so excited to be able to share this news! Thank you for your support in everything I do. It’s humbling. pic.twitter.com/1hlRfdLF6v

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) April 4, 2016

Alcon Entertainment are producing Blade Runner 2, although plot details are currently being kept hush-hush. Warner Brothers will be distributing the film in North American markets, whilst Sony Pictures are handling the international distribution.

At present, Blade Runner 2 is currently set for a January 12th, 2018 release.