The search for a new Kratos did not last long.
Dave Bautista has officially landed the role of the legendary Spartan warrior in Prime Video’s upcoming live-action “God of War” series, stepping into one of gaming’s most recognisable characters.
Bautista takes over from Ryan Hurst, who had already started filming when a bicep injury forced him to leave the production.
That left the series with a major problem. The man playing its central character could no longer continue.
Now, Bautista is taking his place.
The former WWE star is no stranger to physically demanding roles. He built a major Hollywood career after wrestling, playing Drax in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” films and Rabban in “Dune.”
But Kratos presents a different challenge.
The character carries the weight of one of PlayStation’s biggest franchises. He is fierce, battle-scarred and famously difficult to please, but the newer “God of War” games also gave him a more emotional side as he tries to build a relationship with his son, Atreus.
That father-son story will form the heart of Prime Video’s adaptation, which draws from the Norse mythology era of the games.
The change also means the production has some work ahead. Hurst had already filmed scenes before his injury, so Bautista will need to reshoot material as the series moves forward.
For Bautista, however, the role marks another major franchise for his growing Hollywood résumé.
From Drax to Rabban, he has played some larger-than-life characters.
Now comes Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta himself.