Amazon Prime Video recasts God of War lead after injury

Production on Amazon Prime Video's live-action adaptation of the "God of War" video game series has been halted and its lead role recast after actor Ryan Hurst suffered a serious on-set injury. Former professional wrestler and actor Dave Bautista is now in negotiations to take over the role of the Spartan warrior Kratos.

Hurst, originally cast in January 2026, tore a bicep while performing a stunt in late June during filming in Vancouver. The injury required surgery, and his projected recovery timeline would have delayed his return to production until 2027. Faced with a potential year-long postponement, producers Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television opted to recast the physically demanding role rather than wait.

The search has centered on Bautista, best known for playing Drax in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" films. His muscular physique, developed during his wrestling career, and extensive background in action films are seen as allowing him to assume the role with limited preparation time. Bautista also has an existing working relationship with Amazon MGM Studios, having starred in several of the studio's films. While negotiations are advanced, a final deal has...