Amazon's live-action 'God of War' series is facing a lead actor replacement just four months into filming due to an injury. Reports suggest that Dave Bautista is now a top candidate to replace Ryan Hurst as Kratos and is currently in negotiations. Additionally, casting calls for older versions of Atreus and Thrud hint at the introduction of aged-up characters in Season 2.

Hollywood outlet Deadline reported on the 3rd that Dave Bautista is in talks to take over the role of Kratos. A former professional wrestler, Bautista is well-known for his roles as Drax in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' series and Glossu Rabban in the 'Dune' film series. While both Drax and Rabban are characters defined more by their strength than their intellect, Bautista has also delivered impressive performances in films like 'Blade Runner 2049,' 'Army of the Dead,' and 'Knock at the Cabin.'

His 193cm frame and the solid physique he built during his wrestling career are also seen as a great fit for Kratos. Although his recent weight loss from around 150kg to 110kg drew attention, he has significantly increased his muscle mass while filming the 'Highlander' remake starring Henry Cavill. Observers note that his current bulked-up, leaner physique is well-suited for an older Kratos.

Ryan Hurst, who stepped down, had also put in the effort to gain about 18kg of muscle for the role. Given his existing physical preparation for 'Highlander,' Bautista is an actor who could be brought on board quickly despite the tight schedule. However, negotiations with Bautista have not yet been finalized, and there remains a possibility that the casting could change.

Ryan Hurst, who was cast as Kratos, suffered a torn bicep while performing a stunt on set in Vancouver this past June. Although he underwent surgery, his recovery is expected to take four to six months, leading the production team to decide on a recast rather than waiting indefinitely. With four episodes already filmed, most of that footage will likely need to be reshot once a new Kratos is confirmed.

Meanwhile, Amazon and Sony Pictures Television are simultaneously preparing for Season 2. The casting call for the new season includes roles for a teenage 'Joshua' and a teenage 'Ruth,' seeking actors aged 14 to 17. 'Joshua' was the pseudonym used to hide Atreus' role in the Season 1 casting call, while 'Ruth' is expected to be a pseudonym for Thrud, the daughter of Thor and Sif. The character descriptions align with the events of 'God of War Ragnarök,' suggesting that each season will cover the story of one game.

This situation makes it increasingly likely that the series' release will be delayed beyond initial expectations. Considering the need to reshoot four episodes and integrate a new lead, some speculate that the Prime Video release could be pushed to late 2027 at the earliest, or even 2028