The upcoming God of War adaptation by Prime Video has a new leading man. Prime Video has confirmed who will replace Ryan Hurst as Kratos after the actor suffered an unfortunate on-set injury.
Hurst, who had featured in The Walking Dead before landing the role as God of War’s main protagonist, was confirmed as Kratos back in January 2026. He had also voiced and provided motion capture for Thor in the most recent mainline God of War game, 2022 release Ragnarok. But he suffered injury during filming in June 2026 and studio bosses made the decision to recast the role.
Since then, there’s been much speculation about who would step into his shoes. But now Prime Video and co-producers Sony have announced his replacement.
Guardians of the Galaxy star and former WWE champion Dave Bautista will take on the job, it has been confirmed. Prime Video now lists Bautista, 57 – who has also starred in the recent Dune adaptations, Blade Runner 2049 and James Bond movie Spectre – as the lead character.
Fans have reacted to the news, with some hailing the casting. One said on Reddit: “Look, I feel really bad for Ryan Hurst. This was an awesome role to land, and from the last pic he posted, he put in the work.
“That said…this is probably the casting we all dreamcasted when this was announced. Let’s go!”
Another wrote: “Still really bummed about Hurst but in all honesty, couldn’t have asked for a better replacement in Bautista. He fits the look/voice so perfectly.”
A third added: “He’s of Greek descent as well so it fits. Guy has the older male physique of Kratos.”
Plenty of Redditors made jokes in the same vein, nodding to Bautista’s pro wrestling past. One said: “He better hit the spinebuster and Batista bomb on Thor!”
Another hinted at Bautista’s iconic entrance music, adding: “But how will he bond with Atreus if he walks alone?” A third said: “Kratos gonna get Odin with the steel chair.”
Not everyone was thrilled, however, as fans expressed their trepidation. One unsure God of War fan wrote: “I hope he does Kratos justice, i really really hope he does.”
Another said: “Am I the only one who thinks this is not a good choice at all? This is not even disrespect to Bautista I think he’s a great actor. I just don’t see this as a good fit for him.”
One replied: “Same, outside of the body, I don’t see the face, voice, mannerisms as remotely Kratos. Ryan was a better cast I feel and they should’ve waited instead of moving things along because the kid’ll age.”
