Dave Bautista is officially taking up the mantle of the “God of War.” Variety has learned that the actor is now set to lead the Amazon Prime Video TV series based on the video game franchise in the role of Kratos.
It was originally reported earlier this month that Bautista was in talks to play the role after Ryan Hurst, who was announced as Kratos in January 2026, suffered a torn bicep onset that required surgery and would have delayed restarting production into 2027. It was announced shortly thereafter that Amazon and Sony, which is co-producing, were recasting the part.
Prime Video has given the “God of War” show a two-season order, with the two seasons set to shoot back-to-back. Filming originally began in Vancouver back in February. With Bautista now locked in as Kratos, production is expected to resume in the coming weeks. All scenes featuring Hurst will now have to be reshot.
As Variety previously reported, there are few better suited for the role of Kratos than Bautista. Aside from the fact he is an accomplished actor, he is one of few in Hollywood who could step into the role on short notice in the physical shape it requires. Kratos is known for his incredibly muscular physique in the games, and Bautista has been in remarkable shape throughout his career. Thus, he does not need months of prep time to prepare for the role.
He is repped by WME and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
The series will pick up with the story of the two most recent “God of War” games, in which Kratos must raise his ten-year old son Atreus while battling gods of the Norse pantheon. Per the logline, “Father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.”
Callum Vinson remains attached to play Kratos’ son Atreus. Additional cast members include Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn and Jeff Gulka as as brothers Brok and Sindri, and Ed Skrein as Baldur.
Ronald D. Moore is the writer, executive producer, and showrunner on “God of War” under his Tall Ship Productions banner.
Frederick E.O. Toye will direct the first two episodes of “God of War.” Maril Davis of Tall Ship also executive produces alongside Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee, and Brad Van Arragon. Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia, and Ben McGinnis serve as co-executive producers on the series. The series is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions.