'God of War' Star Dave Bautista Shows off Kratos Transformation After 3 Weeks of Training

Dave Bautista is already looking the part of Kratos, but the God of War star says his physical transformation is far from finished. Just three weeks into weight training, the actor has given fans a glimpse of the physique he is building for the role.

Bautista shared a video on Instagram on 3 September showing off his increasingly muscular frame as he prepares to take over as Kratos in Prime Video's live-action adaptation. He revealed that he has two more months of training ahead of him, suggesting his transformation is still underway.

Dave Bautista's Kratos Training Shows His Physical Transformation

Bautista's latest update comes shortly after he officially joined God of War as Kratos, replacing Ryan Hurst in the lead role. The actor's wrestling background has made his physical preparation a particular point of interest, and his latest video shows that he has already begun rebuilding the imposing frame associated with the character.

The actor captioned the clip, '3rd week in to weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin a bike! LFG!💪🏽'

The update quickly drew enthusiastic reactions from fans, with commenters welcoming his return to a bulkier physique and expressing confidence in his casting. Some hailed him as 'the legend', while others joked that 'The Animal is back', referencing Bautista's professional wrestling persona.

His post also indicates his preparation schedule. With Bautista three weeks into weight training and estimating another two months before reaching the physique he wants, his physical transformation remains a work in progress as the production prepares to resume.

Why Ryan Hurst Was Replaced and What It Means for Production

Bautista was officially announced as Kratos in August after Hurst, who had originally been cast in January, suffered a torn bicep while performing a stunt on set. The injury required surgery and a lengthy recovery that would have delayed his return to production, prompting Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television to recast the role.

Production had already begun in Vancouver in February, with four episodes filmed before Hurst's departure. Those scenes will be reshot with Bautista. Production is expected to resume in October in Vancouver, with the two seasons scheduled to film back-to-back.

Who Is Kratos? The Character Behind the Role

Kratos is the central character of the God of War video game franchise, which began in 2005 and follows his violent journey through Greek and Norse mythology.

Originally a Spartan warrior, Kratos became the Greek God of War after making a deal with Ares, before the later games shifted his story towards Norse mythology and his relationship with his son, Atreus.

The Prime Video series is based on the Norse-era games, particularly 2018's God of War and its 2022 sequel, God of War Ragnarök.

The series follows Kratos and Atreus on a journey to spread the ashes of Faye, Kratos' late wife and Atreus' mother.

The series also features Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri, Danny Woodburn as Brok, Sonya Walger as Freya, Island Austin as Thrud, Ben Chapple as Magni, Louis Cunningham as Modi and Evelyn Miller as Gna.

Emmy-winning director Frederick E. O. Toye will direct the first two episodes. Toye is popular for his work on Shōgun, The Boys, and Fallout.

Amazon has yet to announce an official release date for its live-action God of War series. However, following the recasting and the production delays, industry trade reports suggest the series could premiere in late 2027 or early 2028.