Dave Bautista is taking his preparations for God of War seriously, revealing an impressive body transformation ahead of his debut as Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming live-action adaptation.

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The former WWE star turned Hollywood actor has gained 20lbs (9kg) while preparing to portray the iconic video game character, bringing his total weight up to 250lbs (113kg).

Bautista, who is no stranger to maintaining an imposing physique, shared his progress with fans in a video posted to his Instagram Story.

The footage showed the actor displaying his muscular build while wearing a God of War T-shirt, accompanied by a message confirming just how much weight he had gained.

“Gained 20 lbs for GOW,” the actor wrote. The former world champ also included a sticker reading “250”, indicating his current weight as he continues preparing for the physically demanding role.

The update comes two months after Bautista previously offered fans a glimpse into his training.

At the time, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor explained that he had started lifting weights again but still needed time “to get to where I need to be.”

His latest appearance suggests those preparations are progressing, with fans already drawing comparisons between his physique and the formidable character he is set to portray.

Bautista joined the God of War cast in August after Prime Video was forced to make an unexpected change to its leading actor.

Ryan Hurst had originally been cast as Kratos but suffered a torn bicep while filming, requiring surgery.

The injury would have delayed production into 2027, prompting the streaming service to replace him with Bautista.

Filming had initially begun in Vancouver in February, meaning scenes previously shot with Hurst will now need to be reshot with Bautista taking over the role.

Production is scheduled to resume in November, with the actor’s physical transformation becoming a major talking point ahead of his arrival on set.

And judging by the reaction online, fans are already impressed with his commitment.

One viewer praised the actor’s dedication, commenting: “What a legend! Taking it serious”.

Another was struck by his resemblance to the character, writing: “Damn he actually looks like kratos now”.

Others expressed their approval of the casting decision, with one fan commenting: “He finally looks the part. I’m glad they chose him”.

Another highlighted Bautista’s acting credentials, writing: “Dave is a great pick, he’s a serious actor whos done great in lots of roles. Im sure he’ll be faithful to the character”.

The positive reception reflects the anticipation surrounding the adaptation, which will bring one of gaming’s most recognisable characters into a live-action television series.

Prime Video has already committed to two seasons of God of War, with both scheduled to be filmed back-to-back. The show will adapt the storyline of the two most recent games, following Kratos as he navigates fatherhood while confronting gods from Norse mythology.

At the centre of the story is his relationship with his ten-year-old son, Atreus, who will be played by Callum Vinson.

The pair embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother, while learning important lessons from one another along the way.

The official synopsis explains: “Father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.”

The adaptation is being led by Ronald D. Moore, with Teresa Palmer, Mandy Patinkin and Ed Skrein also among the cast.

Featured image credit: Instagram/DaveBautista