Former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion Batista ( ALUMNI PROFILE) has been cast as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel Studios' next major blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy," according to The Hollywood Reporter. The upcoming film is a key component to Marvel's cinematic universe and part of the build-up to the sequel to 2012's biggest blockbuster, "The Avengers."

Since leaving WWE in 2010, The Animal has starred in a number of films, including "The Man with the Iron Fists" and the forthcoming "Riddick," starring alongside Vin Diesel. The Animal's reported role in Marvel's cosmic-based "Guardians of the Galaxy" is one of his most important to date.

The former six-time World Champion's alleged role is a character whose comic book origins are directly tied to Thanos, the mysterious villain seen in the post-credits scene of last summer's highest-grossing film, "The Avengers." First appearing in the February 1973 comic "Iron Man" No. 55, Drax was once a human whose family perished at the hands of the evil Thanos. Seeking retribution, the human's consciousness was transferred into a powerful new body with the abilities of flight, super-strength, resilience and the ability to project energy blasts. Drax is recruited by the cosmic super-team, The Guardians of the Galaxy, fueled by his personal goal of seeking vengeance against Thanos and avenging his family.

As one of the most dominant, powerful WWE Superstars of all time, Batista is certainly the perfect choice for the role. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, The Animal already bears a strong resemblance to the green-skinned Marvel hero. ( BATISTA'S MILESTONE MOMENTS)

This is a major role for the former WWE Champion — one that could potentially position him alongside Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the rest of The Avengers in future Marvel movies. ( WATCH BATISTA IN ACTION)