Dave Bautista could soon be wielding the Leviathan Axe, with reports claiming the actor is in talks to take over the iconic role of Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of ‘God of War.’

The casting news follows reports that Ryan Hurst, who was announced as Kratos in January 2026, has exited the role after suffering a torn bicep during production.

If negotiations are successful, Bautista would step into one of gaming’s most recognisable roles as production prepares to resume this autumn.

The series adapts the story of the acclaimed 2018 ‘God of War’ game and its sequel, ‘God of War Ragnarök,’ shifting the franchise’s focus from Greek mythology to the Norse realms. Rather than the rage-fuelled warrior fans first met years ago, the story follows an older Kratos as he attempts to raise his young son Atreus while confronting gods, monsters and the ghosts of his violent past.

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According to the official logline, father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother, Faye. Along the way, Kratos struggles to teach his son how to become a better god, while Atreus hopes to show his father what it truly means to be human.

Callum Vinson remains attached to play Atreus, with Max Parker portraying Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson playing Thor, Mandy Patinkin taking on the role of Odin, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn and Jeff Gulka portraying the dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri, and Ed Skrein cast as Baldur.

Behind the camera, acclaimed television writer Ronald D. Moore serves as writer, executive producer and showrunner through his Tall Ship Productions banner. Frederick E.O. Toye will direct the opening two episodes.

Executive producers include Maril Davis, Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee and Brad Van Arragon, while Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia and Ben McGinnis serve as co-executive producers.