Actor Dave Bautista has shared a video on Instagram showing off his physical transformation as he prepares to play Kratos in Prime Video's live-action adaptation of God of War. The former WWE star, who has appeared notably leaner in recent films than during his wrestling days or his breakout role as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is now bulking back up to suit the muscular Spartan warrior character.

In the caption, Bautista said he was three weeks into weight training with two more months to go before reaching the physique he needs. He stepped into the lead role last month after original star Ryan Hurst tore a bicep performing a stunt, joining a cast that includes Mandy Patinkin, Ed Skrein and Teresa Palmer. The series, showrun by Ronald D. Moore, follows Kratos and his son Atreus and will draw largely on the two most recent God of War games; production is set to resume in Vancouver this autumn.