Amazon and Sony’s God of War TV series is recasting its lead, and Dave Bautista could reportedly take over the role of Kratos, the titular God of War. The series, based on Sony’s popular first-party video game franchise, is set to replace Ryan Hurst, who was cast as Kratos earlier this year, after the actor suffered an injury on set.
The studios are yet to officially comment on the casting change, but Variety reports that Bautista, an actor and former professional wrestler who has earned accolades for his roles in major films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune, among others, is in talks to replace Hurst as Kratos on the show.
Last month, Variety reported that Hurtt—originally cast to play Kratos—would be leaving Amazon’s God of War series after tearing his biceps on set in June. The injury dealt a blow to the show’s production, reportedly delaying the resumption of work until 2027. Consequently, Amazon and Sony have reportedly decided to recast the role and aim to restart production in the fall of 2026.
The actor playing Atreus may also be replaced for the second season of the God of War series.
Additionally, the series might recast two other major roles for the second season. According to MP1st, Amazon and Sony are seeking older actors to portray Kratos’s son, Atreus, and Thor’s daughter, Thrud.
While actors Callum Vincent and Aelan Austin have been confirmed to play the younger versions of Atreus and Thrud in the first season, casting notices for the second season reportedly indicate that producers are looking for actors to portray the characters during their teenage years.
Amazon and Sony have not yet confirmed any changes to the cast of the God of War series.
In January of this year, the two studios announced that Hurst—who played Thor in Sony’s God of War Ragnarök—would star as Kratos in the series, which is based on the game franchise’s Norse mythology arc. In February, Amazon and Sony released the first teasers for the God of War series, featuring Hurst and Vinzen as Kratos and Atreus, respectively.
The God of War series, a co-production between Amazon, MGM, and Sony Pictures, has been greenlit for two seasons and will chronicle the adventures of Kratos and his son Atreus across the Norse realms. Filming had previously been underway in Vancouver, Canada, but was halted due to an injury sustained by Hurst. While no premiere date has been set, the release could be delayed due to potential casting changes and the need for reshoots.
Other confirmed cast members include Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Max Parker as Heimdall, and Ed Skrein as Baldur. Ronald D. Moore serves as the series’ showrunner, executive producer, and writer.