Dave Bautista has officially closed his deal to play Kratos in Prime Video's live-action *God of War* series, confirming his casting as the replacement for Ryan Hurst. Hurst was forced to leave the production after tearing his bicep while performing a stunt in late June, four months into filming in Vancouver, prompting Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television to recast one of gaming's most recognisable characters. The switch marks a major setback for the ambitious PlayStation adaptation, with the production essentially restarting from scratch.

Footage shot with Hurst as Kratos is not expected to be used, meaning filming will largely begin again once production resumes in Vancouver in mid-October, with preparation for the restart starting this month. Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye, who helmed the original first two episodes, will return to direct them again with Bautista in the lead role. The former WWE star, who recently bulked up to play the Kurrgan in *Highlander* alongside Henry Cavill, is not expected to have much time to prepare physically before filming resumes.