Dave Bautista cast as the new Kratos in the God of War TV series.

Prime Video’s live-action adaptation of God of War has officially cast its new Kratos. After speculation surrounding Dave Bautista stepping in for Ryan Hurst, the former WWE star and Guardians of the Galaxy actor has reportedly finalized a deal to take on the iconic role.

This change follows a significant production setback earlier this summer. Hurst, who was initially announced as Kratos in January, suffered a bicep tear while performing a stunt in late June. The injury necessitated surgery and a lengthy recovery period, prompting Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television to recast the role instead of delaying production until 2027.

Filming had already been in progress in Vancouver for several months, with multiple episodes reportedly completed. Those scenes will now be reshot with Bautista, and production aims to resume in mid-October.

The first season will adapt the 2018 game, focusing on Kratos and his young son Atreus as they embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of Kratos’ late wife, Faye.

In addition to the Kratos recasting, there are other casting changes on the horizon. Prime Video is reportedly looking for older actors to portray Atreus and Thrud in Season 2, which will adapt God of War Ragnarök and its time jump from the 2018 storyline. Callum Vinson and Island Austin are still set to play the younger versions of these characters in Season 1.

An official premiere date has yet to be announced, and the production restart complicates the timeline for the show’s release. A 2027 launch seems increasingly unlikely, with 2028 now appearing to be a more feasible target.

Meanwhile, the God of War franchise continues to expand. God of War Laufey, a new PS5 game centered on Faye rather than Kratos, is slated for release on February 16, 2027. Santa Monica Studio has also confirmed that another new game featuring Kratos is in development, along with a remake of the original Greek trilogy.