Amazon's live-action God of War series has a new candidate for Kratos. Dave Bautista is in talks to take over the lead role, according to Variety, after Ryan Hurst sustained a torn bicep during a stunt in late June. The injury requires surgery and months of rehabilitation. Rather than delay production until 2027, Amazon and Sony Pictures Television began seeking a replacement.
Four episodes had been completed before production halted, according to Game Informer. Whether that footage will be incorporated or shelved remains undecided.
Bautista is one of the few working actors who can match the physical demands of Kratos on short notice. His credits span Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, a recurring presence in the Dune films, and supporting roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Glass Onion. He also served as a character model in the video game Gears 5.
The series carries a two-season order from Amazon Prime Video and is produced by Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Tall Ship Productions, and Amazon MGM Studios, with Ronald D. Moore as showrunner. The remaining cast stays intact: Callum Vinson as Atreus, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, among others. Production is expected to resume in October in Vancouver. The series adapts the 2018 God of War game and its sequel. No release date has been set.
