Dave Bautista is undergoing an intensive physical preparation to play Kratos in Prime Video’s live-action God of War series. The actor has revealed that he has gained 20 pounds, approximately 9 kilograms, for the production and now weighs 250 pounds, or nearly 113 kilograms.
Bautista shared a video on Instagram showing his progress after returning to heavy weight training. The post referenced the additional 20 pounds gained for filming and featured a God of War shirt, signaling his commitment to portraying the PlayStation character in live action.
The transformation marks a change from the slimmer physique Bautista adopted in recent years for different film roles. During his WWE career, he had reportedly reached around 290 pounds, or approximately 130 kilograms. His latest increase in weight is intended to help him approach Kratos’ imposing physical presence.
Bautista took over the role after Ryan Hurst suffered a serious biceps tear during a stunt on the Vancouver set. The injury required surgery and could have delayed production until 2027, according to the information shared about the project. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television officially announced Bautista as Hurst’s replacement in August.
Because of the recasting, scenes previously filmed with Hurst must be shot again. Production is expected to resume in October after initially beginning in Vancouver in February.
The series will draw on the Norse mythology introduced in 2018’s God of War for PlayStation 4. Its story will follow Kratos and his ten-year-old son, Atreus, played by Callum Vinson, as they travel across the nine realms to scatter the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ deceased wife and Atreus’ mother, from the highest peak.
Prime Video has already ordered two full seasons, with filming planned to take place consecutively.
Sources: Jeuxvideo.com.