Dave Bautista is in negotiations to take on the role of Kratos in Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television’s highly anticipated God of War series, replacing Ryan Hurst after the actor suffered a serious on-set injury, reports Deadline.
Hurst was originally cast as the iconic Spartan warrior but was forced to exit the project after tearing a bicep while performing a stunt in late June.
The injury required surgery and an extended recovery, prompting the production to recast the lead role.
Filming was halted immediately following the accident. Production is now expected to resume in mid-October in Vancouver, with preparations set to begin later this month.
Bautista’s background as a former WWE champion and his experience in physically demanding action roles reportedly made him the preferred choice for the role under the show’s tight production schedule.
The actor recently completed work on the upcoming Highlander reboot, a role that required him to undergo extensive physical training and bulk up, making the transition to Kratos comparatively seamless.
If the deal is finalised, Bautista will portray the legendary warrior in what is expected to be one of Prime Video’s biggest fantasy series.
Based on PlayStation’s acclaimed video game franchise, God of War follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey across the Norse realms to fulfil the final wish of Kratos’ late wife, Faye, by scattering her ashes from the highest peak.
Along the way, Kratos struggles to become a better father while Atreus helps him rediscover his humanity.
The series has already secured a two-season order, with both seasons planned to be filmed back-to-back.
The adaptation features an ensemble cast that includes:
Mandy Patinkin as Odin
Ed Skrein as Baldur
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor
Max Parker as Heimdall
Teresa Palmer as Sif
Alastair Duncan as Mimir
Jeff Gulka as Sindri
Danny Woodburn as Brok
Callum Vinson as Atreus
The series is written and executive produced by Ronald D. Moore, who also serves as showrunner.
It is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Television and PlayStation Productions.
For Bautista, the project would mark only his second regular television role after appearing in the second season of Apple’s See.
He also has several upcoming films, including Highlander, Road House 2, Alpha Gang, and the animated feature Ally.
