Bautista Posts Kratos Physique After 20-Pound Muscle Gain
The actor shared his transformation on Instagram for Prime Video's God of War series, months after he was cast as Kratos.
Dave Bautista published a post on his personal Instagram account on November 6, 2026, showing his physical transformation for the role of Kratos in Prime Video's God of War series. In the post, the actor said he has gained 20 pounds of muscle for the part.
The post follows his casting as the live-action Kratos by several months. Bautista had been a fan-favorite choice for the role before Prime Video announced him.
Ryan Hurst was originally cast as Kratos but was dropped after suffering an injury that would have halted production for nearly a year, according to Collider.
Series draws on the Norse-era games
The God of War show has been in development at Prime Video for years. It will not adapt the original Greek-era God of War games, instead starting from the 2018 God of War title by Santa Monica Studio, set in Midgard among Norse gods.
Two God of War games from Santa Monica Studio have been released so far, with a third, God of War Laufey, scheduled for next May.
Quick answers
How much muscle did Dave Bautista gain for God of War?
Bautista said in an Instagram post that he gained 20 pounds of muscle for the role of Kratos.
Who was originally cast as Kratos in the God of War series?
Ryan Hurst was originally cast as Kratos but was dropped after an injury that would have halted production for nearly a year.