Dave Bautista is reportedly in talks to play Kratos in Amazon’s God of War Prime Video series. He would step into the role after the show’s previous lead exited production. Variety first reported the news.
The outlet says Amazon and Sony are eyeing Bautista for the lead role. He is best known for playing Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The talks follow the departure of Ryan Hurst, who currently stars in Amazon’s The Odyssey.
Hurst had been cast as Kratos but left the God of War production after tearing a bicep on set. Producers reportedly planned to pause filming and pick Hurst back up next year. Amazon and Sony instead chose to recast the part, with production expected to resume in the fall.
Kratos recasting follows a rocky start for the God of War show
The God of War series has drawn criticism since Amazon confirmed it in 2022. The show released its first-look image in February, and the reaction from fans of the games was largely negative. Many took issue with the costume and makeup used to depict the character. With Hurst now out of the running, that image will likely remain the only official look at his version of Kratos.
Bautista, a former WWE wrestler, has played physically imposing characters in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Dune, and Blade Runner 2049. He has also taken on smaller dramatic roles in recent years, including in Knock at the Cabin. Neither Amazon nor Sony has confirmed the God of War casting.
Callum Vinson, who played Atreus in season 1, is also being recast for season 2, according to the same report. The swap suggests a substantial time jump between seasons. That would mirror the source material. The games place three years between 2018’s God of War and 2022’s God of War Ragnarok, the two entries the TV series is adapting.
Who else is confirmed for the God of War cast
The rest of the God of War show’s cast remains unchanged. Ed Skrein plays Baldur, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson plays Thor. Mandy Patinkin plays Odin, while Teresa Palmer plays Sif. Max Parker plays Heimdall, and Sonya Walger plays Freya. Alastair Duncan is also on board as Mimir, reprising the role he voiced in the games.
The series is one of several game adaptations Amazon and Sony have pursued for Prime Video, following the model set by HBO’s The Last of Us.
Amazon has not set a release date for God of War. A recast Kratos pushes the show’s production timeline out further. The studio has not commented publicly on the casting talks or confirmed Bautista’s involvement. Whether Bautista signs on will likely become clearer once filming resumes in the fall.