Dave Bautista Packs on Muscle and Silences Kratos Doubters

Dave Bautista has reportedly bulked up for his upcoming role as Kratos in Prime Video's live-action God of War series. According to ScreenRant, the actor has gained 20 pounds of muscle since beginning training.

The outlet claims Bautista posted a video showing his progress, where his shaved head and beard now make him closely resemble the Kratos from the games' Norse saga. The former WWE star reportedly began posting physique updates just weeks after starting his training regimen.

This casting was not the show's first choice. Per the report, Ryan Hurst, who voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök, was originally cast for the part but had to step back due to an injury.

ScreenRant notes that some fans initially doubted Bautista could physically embody the god of war, but his recent transformation is said to have silenced those skeptics. The series is reportedly skipping the Greek mythology arcs from the early games and will instead adapt the more emotionally dense Norse storyline.

Amazon's God of War adaptation has reportedly faced some early production setbacks, but filming has not yet begun.