Ryan Hurst will reportedly no longer be playing Kratos in the live-action film. god of war series. Sony Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios have reportedly recast the lead role after he suffered a serious injury during filming. god of war TV show.
Sony Santa Monica's first TV adaptation of the popular franchise was officially announced in May 2022, with Prime Video ordering the series in December of the same year. In January 2026, Ryan Hirst was revealed as the lead role in the new film. god of war TV show. Principal photography began shortly after, with Prime Video confirming production is fully underway by the end of February 2026.
Ryan Hurst injures biceps while filming 'God of War'
The actor's physical recovery time was so long that the role of Kratos was recast.
According to a new report from Deadline, Hearst suffered a torn bicep while filming a stunt in Vancouver in June. He underwent surgery right away, but recovery is expected to take a long time. These injuries can take four to six months to heal, but the physical strain of playing Kratos has reportedly prevented him from returning to full capacity for up to a year. Given the situation, Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios decided to reprise the role, though insiders described it as a difficult move.
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Image Source: Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Television -
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Image via Santa Monica Studios
Four episodes were reportedly completed before the injury occurred. Hearst's replacement will have to reshoot some already completed scenes opposite Callum Vinson, who plays Kratos' son Atreus in the live action. god of war series. Prime Video reportedly plans to resume production in mid-fall, in October 2026.
The God of War show may need to re-film some scenes that don't feature Hearst's Kratos.
The reimagining is especially devastating because the relationship between Kratos and Atreus is central to the upcoming adaptation. Sata Monica Studio's games have been around since 2005, but the series ordered by Prime Video is entirely based on god of warThe Nordic era started in 2018. The soon-to-be trilogy follows the story of Kratos and his son as they travel to spread the ashes of Atreus' mother, Fae. Reusing Vinson's completed footage could be difficult because the 12-year-old actor could age noticeably before production resumes in late 2026. Given this situation, much of the footage already shot for the first season of the live-action adaptation may need to be re-filmed, including scenes that don't feature Kratos.
No replacement for Hurst has been announced, especially since news of his injury has not even been officially confirmed yet. However, if Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios plan to resume production by fall 2026, they will have to readjust their roles without notice. The part could go to the casting director's original second choice or another leading candidate whose schedule has been released this fall. Hearst was associated with: god of war The franchise is more than immediately cast as Kratos, as he previously played Thor in the first two Norse era games.
Production on the first two seasons, which were ordered together, was initially expected to be completed by spring 2027. Due to Hearst's injury and subsequent reruns, it's currently expected to be completed around July 2027, although the first season may still premiere before then.
