Dave Bautista has officially closed a deal to play Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming God of War fantasy drama series, taking over the iconic role from Ryan Hurst, reports Deadline.
Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television approached Bautista after deciding to recast Kratos following Hurst’s serious on-set injury.
Hurst, who was originally cast as the Spartan warrior, tore his bicep while performing a stunt in late June, around four months into production.
The series will now start production from scratch, with none of the footage from the original shoot being used.
Production is scheduled to resume in Vancouver in mid-October, with preparations beginning this month.
Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye, who directed the first two episodes featuring Hurst, will return to helm the new version starring Bautista.
The casting marks a significant change in the portrayal of Kratos, a character whose first-look appearance earlier this year sparked intense discussion among fans of the PlayStation franchise.
Bautista’s background as a professional wrestler is expected to help him prepare for the physically demanding role.
He also recently bulked up for his upcoming Highlander film, giving him additional preparation for the role.
Based on the hugely successful PlayStation video game franchise, God of War follows Kratos and his 10-year-old son Atreus as they journey to spread the ashes of Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother, Faye.
Along the way, Kratos attempts to teach his son how to become a better god, while Atreus pushes his father towards becoming a better human.
Kratos is a Spartan-born warrior who becomes the Greek God of War after making a devastating pact with Ares.
The character has become one of gaming’s most recognisable figures through his battles against mortals, monsters and gods, as well as his deeply tragic past.
The live-action series will primarily draw from the storyline of the franchise’s most recent games, placing the relationship between Kratos and Atreus at the centre of the narrative.
The cast also includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri, Danny Woodburn as Brok, Sonya Walger as Freya, Island Austin as Thrud, Ben Chapple as Magni, Louis Cunningham as Modi and Evelyn Miller as Gna.
Created by Ronald D. Moore, God of War has a two-season order, with both seasons planned to film back-to-back.
For Bautista, the series marks only his second regular television role following the second season of Apple TV+’s See.
He recently reunited with Amazon MGM Studios for The Wrecking Crew, starring alongside Jason Momoa, and will also appear opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Road House 2.
His upcoming projects include Alpha Gang, Ally and Highlander.
