It’s official: Dave Bautista (Knock at the Cabin, Dune: Part Two) is stepping into the role of Kratos in Prime Video’s highly anticipated God of War series.

The news comes after Bautista was previously reported to be in talks for the role, following the departure of Ryan Hurst, who suffered a torn bicep during production. The injury ultimately forced Prime Video to recast the iconic role and push production into 2027.

Hurst’s scenes will now need to be completely reshot.

Despite the brutal production setback, Bautista feels like a natural fit for the Ghost of Sparta. The actor has already proven he can bring plenty of physicality and intensity to demanding genre roles, making him a particularly intriguing choice to bring Kratos to live action.

Prime Video has ordered two seasons of God of War, with both planned to film back-to-back. Production originally kicked off in Vancouver in February and is expected to resume in the coming weeks.

The series will follow Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey across the Norse wilderness to scatter the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother.

Along the way, Kratos attempts to teach his son how to become a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to become a better human.

Callum Vinson (Crystal Lake, Chucky) stars as Atreus.

The series has also assembled a stacked cast of characters from the God of War mythology. Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride) plays Odin, Ed Skrein (Deadpool) is Baldur, Max Parker (Vampire Academy) portrays Heimdall, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (NOS4A2) takes on Thor.

Rounding out the cast are Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) as Sif, Alastair Duncan (God of War) as Mimir, Jeff Gulka (The X-Files) as Sindri, and Danny Woodburn (The Witcher) as Brok.

Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) serves as showrunner and writer, while Frederick E.O. Toye (Fallout, Watchmen, The Boys) is directing the first two episodes.

With Bautista now officially wielding the Blades of Chaos, the road to God of War continues.