Dave Bautista Could Be the New Kratos of God of War

God of War had to change its lead role before even finishing its first season. According to reports from Variety and Deadline on August 4, Amazon MGM Studios is in talks with Dave Bautista for the role of Kratos. Since no contract has been signed yet, it cannot be confirmed that Bautista has officially joined the cast.

The change is due to an accident that Ryan Hurst experienced on set. Known for his role in Sons of Anarchy and for voicing Thor in the God of War Ragnarök game, Hurst severely injured his arm during a stunt shoot at the end of June. Once it became clear that the actor's recovery time would not align with the current production schedule, the studios decided to recast Kratos.

Four Episodes Had Already Been Filmed

The detail that made the decision costly is that the production is not yet at the starting line.

When Hurst was injured, filming had already been completed for four episodes of the first season. If an agreement is reached with Bautista, it is expected that the Kratos scenes in these episodes will be re-shot with the new lead. The production is planned to restart in mid-October.

This also sets God of War apart from a typical pre-shoot actor change. Amazon will not only have to fit the new Kratos into the costume; they will also need to recreate a significant portion of the footage that has been prepared over the months.

Bautista Has Been a Fan-Favorite Kratos Candidate for Years

Dave Bautista's name has not been associated with God of War for the first time today. Since the announcement of the Amazon adaptation, the former WWE star has been one of the most frequently suggested Hollywood actors for Kratos by fans.

Bautista has clearly expressed in recent years that he does not want to rely solely on physical roles, turning instead to more diverse projects like Knock at the Cabin, Dune, and The Last Showgirl. If the Kratos deal goes through, the actor will once again be at the center of a large-scale fantasy series after his role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy.

However, the current situation on the table is just a discussion: neither Amazon nor Bautista has announced that the deal is finalized.

Amazon Took the Two-Season Risk from the Start

Despite the lead role change, there are no signs that Amazon is stepping back from its God of War plans. The company has already placed a two-season order for the series before the first episode even aired.

According to Amazon's official statement, Ronald D. Moore, the creator of Battlestar Galactica and For All Mankind, is at the helm of the production. Moore serves as the series' writer, executive producer, and showrunner. The director of the first two episodes is Frederick E.O. Toye, who has worked on Shōgun and Fallout.

The story is based on the period of Norse mythology from the 2018 game God of War and its sequel Ragnarök. Kratos and his son Atreus face gods during their journey to scatter Faye's ashes.

Kratos Is Changing, Other Major Roles Remain the Same

The cast previously announced by Prime Video includes Callum Vinson as Kratos' son Atreus; Mandy Patinkin as Odin; Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor; Teresa Palmer as Sif; Max Parker as Heimdall; and Ed Skrein as Baldur. Alastair Duncan continues his role from the games as Mimir.

The release date for the series has not yet been announced.

The issue facing God of War now is not just who the new Kratos will be. If Dave Bautista signs the deal, Amazon will be trying to keep a massive production afloat that has changed its lead role after four episodes have been filmed and will need to recreate a significant amount of footage.

And despite all this cost, the company already has a second season order in its pocket.