Los Angeles: Professional wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista is in talks to play Kratos in the ‘God of War’ series, based on the popular video game franchise, reported Variety.
According to the outlet, the news comes after reports that Ryan Hurst, who was originally cast as the titular god in January 2026, suffered a torn bicep on the set of the series. The injury would have delayed production until 2027, ultimately leading Amazon and Sony to recast the role. The plan is to resume production by the fall.
Despite being an accomplished actor, Bautista is considered one of the rare actors who can achieve the physical shape required for the role easily.
Kratos is known for his extremely muscular physique in the games, and Bautista has maintained remarkable shape throughout his career. As a result, he would not require months of preparation to get ready for the role.
Bautista first gained recognition as a WWE star before moving into a successful and diverse acting career. He has portrayed Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe across six movies and also appeared in the first two “Dune” films from Denis Villeneuve.
He recently lent his voice to the animated film ‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’ and has previously starred in films including ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ ‘Spectre,’ and ‘Army of the Dead.’
According to the outlet, ‘God of War’ has received a two-season order. The series will follow the storyline of the two latest ‘God of War’ games, where Kratos raises 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, Olafur Darri Olafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn and Jeff Gulka as brothers Brok and Sindri, and Ed Skrein as Baldur.
Frederick E.O. Toye will direct the first two episodes of ‘God of War’. Maril Davis of Tall Ship will executive produce 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 will 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.
