Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television have finally heard the fans’ requests. Following the recasting of Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War series, the studios approached Dave Bautista for the role and have officially closed the deal. The recasting came after original lead Ryan Hurst suffered a serious on-set injury.
Back in June, Hurst tore his bicep while performing a stunt on set. He had already filmed for four months, and the injury required surgery followed by a long recovery. Production on the series was immediately halted following the incident. The studios then decided to recast the role, and Bautista will now play the character. Filming is set to resume in mid-October in Vancouver, where the show is based.
Production is reportedly starting over, as no footage from the original shoot will be used. Frederick E.O. Toye, the Emmy-winning director behind Shōgun, The Boys, and Fallout, will again direct the first two episodes, this time with Bautista as Kratos.
Bautista has limited time to get ready for the physically demanding role of Kratos before filming. Fortunately, his professional wrestling background and recent physical transformation for the new Highlander movie should help him step into the role.
God of War follows father and son Kratos (Bautista) and Atreus (Callum Vinson) as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son how to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.
The series will closely follow the story of the last two God of War video games, focusing on the father-son dynamic that was the heartbeat of the franchise’s most recent chapters.
The series also stars Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Louis Cunningham as Modi, Island Austin as Thrud, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn as Brok, Jeff Gulka as Sindri, Ben Chapple as Magni, Evelyn Miller as Gna, and Sonya Walger as Freya.
Ronald D. Moore serves as the showrunner, executive producer, and writer of God of War. He is best known for his work on Battlestar Galactica and Outlander. Joining him as executive producers are Maril Davis, 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 are attached as co-executive producers.
The series is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, alongside PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions.
God of War is expected to premiere on Prime Video in 2028.
Source: Deadline
