PETER CHAND: NOT TONGUE TIED AFTER ALL

Highlights

• Dave Bautista is taking over as Kratos after Ryan Hurst's injury forced Amazon to recast the role.
• The series is effectively starting again, with none of the footage from the original production being used.
• The major reset puts fresh pressure on Amazon's attempt to adapt one of gaming's most recognisable franchises.

Hollywood's relationship with video game adaptations has changed considerably in recent years. Shows such as The Last of Us and Fallout have demonstrated that games can translate successfully to television when their characters and worlds are treated with care. Amazon's God of War, however, has already encountered a production setback that makes its journey to the screen considerably more complicated.

Dave Bautista has closed his deal to play Kratos in the Prime Video series after Ryan Hurst, who was originally cast in the role, suffered a serious on-set injury. Hurst reportedly tore his bicep while performing a stunt in June, around four months into filming. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television subsequently decided to recast the central role.