Dave Bautista is preparing for the physical demands of playing Kratos in the upcoming Prime Video adaptation of God of War. The role calls for the imposing build of a demigod, including the muscular physique associated with the PlayStation character.
Bautista begins his Kratos training
The actor recently shared a short clip the actor shared on social media, explaining that he was three weeks into a new weight-training programme. Bautista added that he had “2 more months to get where I need to be”, suggesting that the transformation is still underway.
His update also indicates that filming his scenes as Kratos may not have started. Production resumed in summer 2026 after an on-set accident involving Ryan Hurst, the actor originally cast in the role. Hurst tore his bicep while performing a stunt, and several episodes that had reportedly already been completed were scrapped.
A recast after a difficult production
Hurst’s casting had already attracted criticism from fans who felt the production did not capture Kratos’ intimidating appearance. Early set photographs were widely mocked on social media. Bautista’s casting was received more positively, although matching Kratos’ deliberately exaggerated proportions remains a significant physical challenge.
Bautista has not revealed the details of his workout. That has left fans without a specific routine to follow, especially after other Sony productions prompted considerable interest in actors’ training methods.
Tom Holland, for example, shared a workout connected with Spider-Man: Brand New Day earlier in 2026. The 20-minute challenge consisted of five pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 air squats per round. Holland claimed he could usually do at least 20 rounds of that circuit. Fitness challenges inspired by The Odyssey also circulated, including attempts to recreate the difficulty of Odysseus stringing his famous war bow.
What the series will adapt
The first season is planned to follow the story of the 2018 God of War game. In that adventure, Kratos and his son Atreus travel to spread the ashes of Faye, their wife and mother.
Battlestar Galactica writer Ronald D. Moore is serving as showrunner. With only a couple of months apparently remaining before Bautista joins the call sheet, the actor sounded confident about returning to intense physical preparation.
“Like ridin a bike!” Bautista said. “LFG!💪🏽”
God of War series release window
God of War is expected to reach Prime Video in late 2027 or early 2028. The series has already been greenlit for two seasons.
For more gaming and entertainment coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Fans planning a dedicated gaming space can also browse arcade machines, compare options in the Arcade Machine Buying Guide or explore virtual pinball machines.
Leave a Reply