AceShowbiz - Ryan Hurst has suffered a torn bicep while filming the God of War TV series and has since undergone surgery, ComicBook.com reports. As a result of the injury and the lengthy recovery involved, the production will recast the role of Kratos, the show’s lead character.

Per ComicBook.com, the injury forced an immediate pause in production, which remains on hold. Deadline also confirms that Hurst's rehabilitation is expected to take between four to six months, with a full return to strength possibly requiring up to a year. Given the demanding physical nature of the role and the show’s schedule, the decision was made by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios to replace Hurst to avoid significant delays. ComicBook.com and Variety both note that while four episodes featuring Hurst had already been filmed, those will be reshot with the new actor. The series is slated to restart production in mid-October 2024, with preparations beginning in mid-August, Deadline adds.

God of War is an adaptation of the popular PlayStation video game franchise, centered on the iconic warrior Kratos as he navigates Norse mythology alongside his son Atreus. The showrunner Ronald D. Moore helms the series, which was ordered for two seasons to be shot back-to-back. The cast includes Callum Vinson as Atreus, alongside Mandy Patinkin, Teresa Palmer, Ed Skrein, and others portraying key figures from Norse legends.

This recasting marks a significant shift for the series, which had initially promoted Hurst as Kratos and highlighted his dedication to the role, including a 40-pound muscle gain to physically embody the character. Fans of the franchise may find the change unexpected, but it reflects the production’s commitment to maintaining its timeline and delivering both seasons promptly. Resuming with a new lead aims to keep the series on track for its anticipated debut without the delays a prolonged recovery would have caused.

This article is based on reporting originally published by ComicBook.com.