Dave Bautista is giving fans another look at the physical transformation he is undergoing to play Kratos in Prime Video's highly anticipated 'God of War' series, revealing that he has added 20 pounds of muscle for the part.
The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star posted a video to his Instagram story featuring the text 'Gained 20 lbs for GOW' along with a '250' sticker, a nod to his current weight. In the post, Bautista fittingly wears a 'God of War' T-shirt.
The update comes two months after Bautista last offered a glimpse of his progress. At that time, he said he had returned to weight training but still had room 'to get to where I need to be' before stepping fully into the role.
Bautista boarded the series in August, taking over the part of Kratos from Ryan Hurst, who had originally been cast. Hurst suffered a torn bicep on set, an injury that required surgery and would have pushed production into 2027, prompting Prime Video to recast the role.
Filming on the series began in Vancouver in February. Because of the casting change, the production will have to reshoot all of the scenes featuring Hurst with Bautista in the role.
The series adapts the story of the two most recent 'God of War' video games, which center on Kratos as he raises his ten-year-old son Atreus, played by Callum Vinson, while clashing with the gods of the Norse pantheon.
According to the show's 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 committed to the project in a big way, handing 'God of War' a two-season order. Both seasons are set to film back-to-back.
Bautista's recent film credits include 'My Spy,' 'Knock at the Cabin' and 'The Wrecking Crew.' Up next for the actor are roles in 'Road House 2' and the upcoming 'Highlander' reboot.
