Dave Bautista has been officially cast as Kratos in Amazon Prime's live-action God of War series, taking over the role from Ryan Hurst. Hurst was previously forced to leave the production after sustaining a bicep tear during filming last month. The injury necessitated a lengthy recovery period, which would have reportedly delayed production until 2027. Variety reports that Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures Television had initiated talks with Bautista, who is now expected to step into the role, allowing filming to resume in the coming weeks.
Hurst's previously filmed scenes will require reshoots. The production had completed four episodes before Hurst's injury, though it remains unknown if these will be utilized. The series, which adapts the 2018 God of War game, has received a two-season order.
Bautista, a former professional wrestler, is widely known for his portrayal of Drax in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. His acting credits also include roles in "Dune," "Blade Runner 2049," and "Knock at the Cabin." Bautista has prior connections to the gaming world, having appeared in "Gears 5" as a character model swap. The rest of the confirmed cast for the "God of War" series includes Callum Vinson as Atreus, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn as Brok, and Jeff Gulka as Sindri.