Dave Bautista, set to portray Kratos in Amazon Prime Video's upcoming "God of War" television series, has shared an update on his physical transformation for the role. The actor revealed on social media that he is three weeks into a new weight training regimen, with two additional months dedicated to achieving the necessary physique for the demigod character. Bautista, already known for his muscular build, faces the significant challenge of sculpting a body that aligns with Kratos's legendary proportions.
Filming for Bautista's portrayal of Kratos has not yet commenced, which aligns with the production's timeline. The series experienced a setback when production restarted in summer 2026 following an on-set accident. The originally cast Kratos, Ryan Hurst, sustained a torn bicep during a stunt, leading to the scrapping of several reportedly completed episodes. Hurst's initial casting had also drawn fan criticism, with many feeling the portrayal did not capture Kratos's intimidating appearance, a sentiment amplified by early set photos that faced social media ridicule. While Bautista's casting has been met with more favor, the physical demands of the role remain a considerable undertaking.
Details regarding Bautista's specific workout routine have not been disclosed. This follows a trend of actors sharing intense fitness regimes, such as Tom Holland's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" workout. The first season of the "God of War" series is slated to adapt the narrative of the 2018 game, chronicling Kratos's journey with his son Atreus to scatter the ashes of his late wife, Faye. Ronald D. Moore, known for "Battlestar Galactica," is serving as the showrunner. With a couple of months remaining before Bautista is expected to begin filming, he expressed confidence in his preparation, stating "Like ridin a bike! LFG!💪🏽".
The "God of War" series is anticipated to premiere on Prime Video in late 2027 or early 2028. The show has already secured a greenlight for two seasons.