‘God of War’ TV Show Officially Recasts Its New Kratos

Prime Video’s God of War series has officially found its new God of War. After weeks of reports that Dave Bautista was being lined up to replace Ryan Hurst as Kratos, the former WWE star and Guardians of the Galaxy actor has reportedly closed a deal to lead Amazon’s ambitious live-action adaptation, according to Variety.

The change comes after production hit a major setback earlier this summer. Hurst, who was announced as Kratos in January, tore his bicep while performing a stunt on set in late June. The injury required surgery and a lengthy recovery, leading Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television to recast the role rather than keep production shut down into 2027.

By then, filming had already been underway in Vancouver for months, with several episodes reportedly completed. Those scenes are now expected to be reshot with Bautista, and production is targeting a mid-October restart.

The first season will adapt 2018’s God of War, following Kratos and his young son Atreus as they travel to scatter the ashes of Kratos’ late wife, Faye.

The Kratos switch also isn’t the only casting change looming over the series. Prime Video is reportedly searching for older actors to play Atreus and Thrud in Season 2, which will adapt God of War Ragnarök and its time jump from the 2018 game. Callum Vinson and Island Austin remain set to play the younger versions of the characters in Season 1.

There is still no official premiere date, and the production restart makes the show’s arrival difficult to pin down. A 2027 launch appears increasingly unlikely, with 2028 now looking like a more realistic possibility.

The wider franchise, meanwhile, isn’t slowing down. God of War Laufey, a new PS5 game centered on Faye rather than Kratos, is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027. Santa Monica Studio has also confirmed that another new game starring Kratos is in development and a remake of the original Greek trilogy is also in the works.