Ryan Hurst exits live action 'God of War' after serious on-set injury

Prime Video’s upcoming God of War series has recast its lead role after Ryan Hurst suffered a serious injury while filming.

Hurst who had been cast as Kratos tore his bicep while performing a stunt on set in late June. The injury required surgery and the actor is currently recovering.

Sources told the outlet that while Hurst’s recovery is the top priority the expected rehabilitation period would not fit the production schedule.

As a result the studios behind the series Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios made the difficult decision to recast the role.

Hurst had reportedly undergone a major physical transformation for the role gaining around 40 pounds of muscle before filming began in Vancouver earlier this year.

The fantasy series developed by showrunner Ronald D. Moore received a two-season order with both seasons expected to film back-to-back. At the time of Hurst’s injury four episodes had already been completed.

However those episodes are expected to be reshot with the new actor playing Kratos. The decision was also influenced by the involvement of child actor Callum Vinson who plays Kratos’ son Atreus as prolonged delays could create continuity issues.

The cast also includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri and Danny Woodburn as Brok.

Despite the setback production is reportedly expected to resume with a new lead later this year with preparations beginning in August ahead of a planned October restart.