God of War TV Show Scrambles to Replace Kratos After Star Tears Bicep During Stunt

Prime Video's highly anticipated "God of War" series is recasting the role of Kratos after original actor Ryan Hurst suffered a serious bicep injury on set in late June while performing a stunt, according to multiple outlets. The decision was made by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios after careful consideration, Deadline reported, noting that Hurst had undergone a physical transformation for the role, making the development particularly heartbreaking.

TMZ first broke the news that Hurst tore his bicep while filming a stunt, halting production on the video game adaptation. Sources told TMZ that the injury caused an immediate pause, and the extent of the recovery timeline forced the studios to move forward without Hurst in the lead.

TMZ'God Of War' Star Ryan Hurst Injured on Set, Production Halted

IGN reported that filming could now be pushed back to 2027, citing sources, and that the studios have been forced to recast the character. The series is produced by Sony Pictures TV and Amazon MGM Studios, with showrunner Ronald D. Moore ("Battlestar Galactica," "Outlander") at the helm, Bleeding Cool added.

2 sources

Bleeding CoolGod of War Production Paused? Hurst Reportedly Injured During StuntIGNKratos to Be Recast After Ryan Hurst Tears Bicep Filming Stunt for God of War Show

"Hurst had undergone a physical transformation for the role, making the development particularly heartbreaking."

ComicBook noted that the reason for the recast is sure to be divisive among fans, though the outlet did not specify further details on the controversy. Variety confirmed the recast and recalled that a first look image of Hurst as Kratos was released in February, but Prime Video declined to comment on the news.

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ComicBookGod of War TV Series Will Recast Kratos After Star’s Injury For a Reason That is Sure to Be DivisiveVarietyPrime Video Recasts Kratos Role in 'God of War' Series After Ryan Hurst's On-Set Injury

The series also stars Callum Vinson as Atreus, Bleeding Cool reported, but no new casting for Kratos has been announced yet. The injury to Hurst, who is best known for his roles in "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Walking Dead," marks a major setback for the adaptation of the beloved PlayStation franchise.