Amazon's live-action God of War adaptation has secured Dave Bautista as its lead following an injury that forced original cast member Ryan Hurst to exit the production. Hurst sustained a bicep tear during early filming in February that made continuation impossible. The 57-year-old actor, best recognised for his role as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and his prior career as a professional wrestler, will now take over the iconic character as production resumes in the coming weeks.

The series, created by acclaimed writer Ronald D. Moore known for his work on Star Trek and Outlander, has secured a two-season commitment with back-to-back filming planned. All footage involving Hurst will be reshot with Bautista in the role. The casting marks a return to action-led work for Bautista, who expressed reservations in previous interviews about sustaining such roles as he ages, though the opportunity suggests those concerns have been set aside.