Amazon’s troubled God of War series, based on the bestselling video game, might have found its new Kratos. Following the on-set injury that sidelined actor Ryan Hurst, the need to recast the lead became clear. Deadline reports that Dave Bautista is reportedly in talks to take over, after production has already begun.
The need for this move came after Hurst injured his shoulder in June while filming, necessetating surgery that would keep him out of action. As you might imagine, playing Kratos is going to be a constant physical challenge, and so the decision was made to recast the role rather than delay production further. Four episodes with Hurst will need to be reshot once his replacement is found, whether that’s Bautista or not.
Interestingly, Bautista is no longer the jacked dude he was while in WWE or even during Guardians of the Galaxy. Anyone who has seen him in recent years has seen the physical change to his body. He’s made a concerted effort to trim down, get healthier, and lose a lot of the extra weight that came with being so muscular. There might need to be a change in workout plan if he’s going to play Kratos.
Other changes coming to God of War will happen in season two, when Callum Turner will give up the role of Atreus to a teenage actor to reflect the jump forward in time. Also, Thor’s daughter Thrud, played in the first season by Island Austin, will similarly be replaced by an older actress.
I have my doubts that Bautista will want to do something like God of War, both for the physical and possible dietary demands, but also because he’s focused on dramatic and comedic work rather than action.
