Dave Bautista is getting back into fighting shape as he prepares to take over the role of Kratos in Amazon’s live-action God of War series.
The former WWE star shared a new video showing off his increasingly muscular physique after returning to weight training. Although Bautista has only been back in the gym for a few weeks, the 57-year-old actor appears confident that he will be ready when cameras begin rolling.
“3rd week in to weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin a bike! LFG!” Bautista wrote alongside the video, according to Variety.
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In the clip, Bautista removes his shirt and flexes for the camera before apparently letting out a roar, though the moment is inaudible beneath the music playing over the video.
The update should alleviate some concerns surrounding Bautista’s casting. While the actor spent decades maintaining the enormous physique that made him famous as Batista in WWE and later Drax in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy films, he deliberately lost considerable weight in recent years.
Dave Bautista sits for an interview – YouTube, Chris Van Vliet
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That left some fans questioning whether he could regain enough size to convincingly portray Kratos, who is famously depicted as an exceptionally muscular Spartan warrior.
Bautista’s latest update suggests he intends to get considerably larger before filming begins.
Bautista Rebuilding His Physique After God of War Recasting
Bautista officially joined the series in August, replacing Ryan Hurst after the actor suffered a torn bicep while performing a stunt.
Hurst’s injury required surgery, and his recovery reportedly would have prevented production from restarting until sometime in 2027. Rather than wait, Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television decided to recast the role.
Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus in Amazon’s God of War series – Amazon
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The decision created another problem for the ambitious adaptation. Production began in Vancouver in February, and four episodes had reportedly already been filmed with Hurst. His scenes will now need to be reshot with Bautista.
Prime Video has already ordered two seasons of God of War, which are expected to film back-to-back.
Fortunately, Bautista has considerable experience transforming his body for physically demanding roles. His wrestling career alone provides plenty of evidence that the actor can carry an imposing amount of muscle, although he has previously explained that he deliberately slimmed down as he transitioned toward more dramatic roles.
Still, many fans have questioned his ability to carry such a physically demanding role at his age. Others argue that, despite his progress, Bautista will need to add considerably more mass to truly embody Kratos.
God of War Will Adapt the Franchise’s Norse Saga
The God of War series will adapt the story of the franchise’s Norse era, beginning with the acclaimed 2018 video game.
Atreus and Kratos in God of War Ragnarok – Santa Monica Studios
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Kratos and his 10-year-old son, Atreus, played by Callum Vinson, embark on a journey to spread the ashes of Kratos’ late wife, Faye. Along the way, Kratos attempts to teach Atreus how to become a better god, while his son tries to teach his father how to become a better human.
Bautista still has two months before he believes he will reach his desired physique, but three weeks into his transformation, the former WWE champion already appears well on his way to looking the part.
Do you think Dave Bautista will look the part of Kratos? Sound off and let us know!
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