Bautista Adds 20 Pounds to Play Kratos in Prime Video Series

Prime Video is reshooting its upcoming "God of War" series after casting Dave Bautista as Kratos. The production will film all scenes previously shot with Ryan Hurst using the new lead actor.

Bautista confirmed his physical transformation via an Instagram story posted on November 2. The post displayed the text "Gained 20 lbs for GOW" and a sticker reading "250," indicating his current weight. The actor wore a "God of War" T-shirt in the image.

He previously told fans in September that he had resumed weight training. At that time, he stated he still had time to reach his target physique. The new update confirms the addition of 20 pounds of muscle.

Bautista signed on to the role in August. He replaced Hurst, who tore his bicep on set. Hurst required surgery that would have delayed production into 2027. Prime Video moved forward with the replacement to maintain its schedule.

Filming began in Vancouver in February. The series adapts the two most recent video games in the franchise. It follows Kratos and his ten-year-old son Atreus, played by Callum Vinson. The plot centers on the pair traveling to scatter the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye.

Prime Video ordered two seasons of the show. The studio plans to shoot both seasons back-to-back. Bautista will next appear in "Road House 2" and a "Highlander" reboot.