Rayan Hurst’s injury halts filming and forces the company to recast

Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures have announced a recast for the role of Kratos in the upcoming God of War series after actor Rayan Hurst (Ryan Hurst) was injured during an action scene shoot in Vancouver.

According to media reports, Hurst suffered a bicep tear while performing a dangerous stunt on set. The injury was severe enough to require emergency surgery, extending the actor’s recovery time beyond initial expectations.

The production team had hoped to resume filming by mid-August, but the delay caused by surgery and recovery has forced the studio to make a difficult decision: recasting the role of Kratos rather than waiting until 2027.

Injury Details and the Decision

Actor Rayan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, had gained around 40 lbs (18 kg) to portray the hulking Spartan Kratos. However, the muscle tear he suffered during an unexpected action scene brought production to a complete halt.

Reports from Deadline confirmed that the decision came after “careful consideration” from Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures, with the option of waiting ruled out due to significant scheduling disruptions. Filming is now expected to resume in mid-October 2026, with preparations beginning in mid-August.

Not the First Setback for the Series

This isn’t the first hurdle the God of War series has faced; in 2024, Rafe Judkins left the project as director and producer, with Amazon MGM bringing in producer Ronald D. Moore—known for his work on Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek—to take over.

As of now, no replacement actor has been announced for the role of Kratos, and the series still has no confirmed release date on Prime Video.

FAQ – God of War

  • Why was Kratos recast? Due to actor Rayan Hurst suffering a muscle tear during an action scene, requiring surgery and a long recovery.
  • Who is the new actor playing Kratos? No replacement has been announced yet; the search is ongoing.
  • When will filming resume? Filming is expected to resume in mid-October 2026.
  • Where will God of War be released? Exclusively on Prime Video (Amazon).
  • Is the series based on the God of War games? Yes, the series is based on the popular God of War game franchise from Sony.
  • How much weight did Rayan Hurst gain for the role of Kratos? Around 40 lbs (18 kg).