Amazon MGM’s live-action television adaptation of PlayStation’s God of War franchise may have found its new Kratos. Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista, known for his work in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Dune, and Knock at the Cabin is reportedly in talks to join God of War, replacing Ryan Hurst.
Deadline reported Monday that Bautista is in negotiations to take on the role of Kratos in Hurst’s stead. Hurst was originally cast as Kratos, and started filming the series, but sustained an injury on set that required surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Amazon MGM opted to recast the role.
News of Bautista’s casting, which is not yet official, comes amid news of additional recastings. Actors Callum Vinson and Island Austin will see their roles as Atreus and Thrud, respectively, taken on by other actors for the show’s second season.
According to Deadline, Bautista will reportedly join the God of War cast after filming the Highlander remake, a role he bulked up for. Bautista has very visibly slimmed down in recent years in pursuit of roles outside his typical range.
The God of War TV series will follow father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. “Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human,” the show’s creators say.
Rounding out the God of War cast are actors 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, and Danny Woodburn as Brok.
Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) serves as showrunner, executive producer, and writer on God of War. Additional executive producers include Maril Davis, Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee, and Brad Van Arragon. Emmy Award-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun, Fallout) will direct the series’ first two episodes. The show has a two-season order and will stream on Prime Video.
God of War got a first look teaser back in February, when Hurst was leading the show.
