Dave Bautista Confirmed as Kratos in Prime Video’s 'God of War' Live-Action

According to Variety, Dave Bautista has been cast to play Kratos in God of War's series for Amazon Prime Video. The confirmation comes after the departure of Ryan Hurst, who had been announced for the role in January 2026, but suffered a biceps injury during filming that required surgery and would delay production until 2027.

With Bautista now in the role, filming is expected to resume in the coming weeks, with all of Hurst’s scenes being reshot. The series received a two-season order from Prime Video, which will be filmed back-to-back. Production originally began in Vancouver in February, with co-production by Sony. 

Everything you need to know about God of War

Ronald D. Moore, known for hits like Battlestar Galactica, Outlander and For All Mankind, will serve as showrunner for the series, which will have at least two seasons to adapt God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök. The plot focuses on Kratos and his son Atreus. The cast originally included Ryan Hurst as Kratos, but after suffering a serious biceps injury and needing surgery, with a long recovery time that would prevent filming from continuing, Hurst was removed from the role.

The cast of the God of War series also includes Teresa Palmer as Sif, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, and Max Parker as Heimdall. Young actor Callum Vinson, known for The Night Agent, Crystal Lake, will play Atreus.

The God Of War franchise, which began its journey in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, follows the story of former Spartan warrior Kratos. Driven by revenge against Ares, the God of War, Kratos faces supernatural challenges while trying to change his fate. After a trilogy of games set in Greece, the series shifted to Norse mythology in 2018 with an older Kratos, now alongside his son Atreus, as they face a pantheon made up of Odin, Thor, and other gods.

Prime Video has not yet announced a release date.