Dave Bautista Gains 20 Pounds for Kratos in Prime Video's 'God of War'

Dave Bautista says he has gained 20 pounds of muscle for the role of Kratos in Prime Video's "God of War" series, posting a video on his Instagram story with the text "Gained 20 lbs for GOW" and a "250" sticker marking his current weight. He wore a "God of War" T-shirt in the post. Subtlety has never been the franchise's currency.

It's the second progress report in two months. Bautista last updated fans in [the earlier post], saying he'd begun weight training again but still had time "to get to where I need to be."

Why is Bautista playing Kratos at all?

The part wasn't his to begin with. Bautista signed on in August, replacing Ryan Hurst, who tore his bicep on set and required surgery that would have delayed production into 2027. Prime Video replaced him.

Filming began in Vancouver in February, but the production now has to reshoot every scene Hurst shot, this time with Bautista in the role — a scenario roughly as expensive as it sounds.

What will the series cover?

The show follows the two most recent "God of War" video games, tracing Kratos as he raises his ten-year-old son Atreus — played by Callum Vinson — while battling gods of the Norse pantheon.

Per the official logline: "Father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human."

Prime Video has handed the series a two-season order, with both seasons shooting back-to-back.

Where else can audiences catch Bautista?

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor's filmography includes "My Spy," "Knock at the Cabin" and "The Wrecking Crew." He next appears in "Road House 2" and the "Highlander" reboot.

Bautista's transformation — 250 pounds and counting — suggests he intends to match Kratos' physical presence frame for frame. For a character built like a small truck, the casting now looks less like a gamble and more like a math problem solved.