Dave Bautista has gained 20 pounds (approx. 9 kg) for the role of Kratos in the 'God of War' series. After shedding 75 pounds a few years ago, his bulked-up physique has drawn significant attention.
On the 1st, Bautista posted a video on his Instagram Story wearing a 'God of War' t-shirt and showing off his muscles. The video included text stating he had gained 20 pounds, along with his current weight of 250 pounds (approx. 113 kg). Previously, on September 1, he shared that it had been three weeks since he resumed weight training and that he needed about two more months to reach his goal.
During his time as a WWE wrestler, Bautista usually competed at around 290 pounds. When filming the movie 'Knock at the Cabin', he even topped 300 pounds. His character, Leonard, was a teacher with a gentle personality despite his intimidating appearance, requiring an imposing physique that could intimidate others.
However, the weight gained in a short period remained a burden even after filming concluded. Bautista noted that the more weight he lost, the better he liked how he looked on camera. He also felt it was more natural to appear smaller when sharing the frame with other actors. Afterwards, through Jiu-Jitsu, cardio workouts, and diet management, he lost about 75 pounds, coming down to around 240 pounds by 2024.
Upon taking on the role of Kratos, he began bulking up once again. Bautista has long been considered by fans as an ideal fit for the role. While the casting announcement was generally welcomed, some wondered whether his slimmer post-weight-loss frame could portray Kratos' massive physique. The recent video confirms he has bulked back up while preparing for the role.
Produced by Prime Video, 'God of War' features Ronald D. Moore as showrunner and will shoot two seasons back-to-back. The actor initially announced for the role of Kratos was Ryan Hurst. Following the casting announcement last January, filming began in Vancouver in February, but production was halted when Hurst suffered a bicep tear during stunt filming in late June.
If production had waited for his recovery following surgery, resuming filming would have slipped into 2027. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television decided to recast the role, finalizing a contract with Bautista in August. All scenes featuring Hurst will be reshot. Filming is set to resume on October 26, with a scheduled completion date of April 1, 2027.
A former WWE Champion, Bautista gained fame as an actor playing Drax in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' in 2014. In 2017, he left a lasting impression despite a brief appearance as Sapper Morton in 'Blade Runner 2049'. He later re-teamed with director Denis Villeneuve to play Rabban in the 'Dune' series. Director M. Night Shyamalan, who directed 'Knock at the Cabin', also cast Bautista after seeing him in 'Blade Runner 2049'. His role as Leonard in that film is regarded as a defining performance showcasing his acting range.
Prime Video has not yet announced a release date for 'God of War'.
