Dave Bautista is looking closer to his WWE days than he has in years as he starts weight training for a new project.
Dave Bautista has started working on his body transformation for God of War.
The 57-year-old retired WWE legend turned actor was known for his hulking physique in the wrestling ring, and after slimming down in recent years, he appears to be changing his physique for the new role.
On Thursday (03.09.26), Bautista shared a video showing off his ripped physique, and hinted he’s got a reason for getting himself in tip top shape.
He wrote: “3rd week in to weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin a bike! LFG! (sic)”
Several of Bautista’s fellow WWE stars were quick to hype up his transformation.
Former United States Champion MVP replied: “The Animal returns!!!!!”
And WWE veteran Natalya said he looked “dialled in”.
While Bautista didn’t specify exactly why he’s back weight training, it comes at an interesting time amid reports God of War filming is set to resume later this year.
The Hollywood star is set as Ryan Hurst’s replacement as Kratos on the video game adaptation for Prime Video.
The longline for the show reads: “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.”
Hurt, who was officially unveiled for the project in January 2026, got seriously injured during filming and tore his bicep on set.
The injury required surgery which would have pushed filming back into next year, and so producers pivoted by bringing in the Guardians of the Galaxy actor.
Last month, Variety reported that Bautista has officially signed on to lead the God of War series.
According to the official description of the character: “Kratos is Spartan by birth, and a god by nature.
“Raised in a martial culture, he rose to command armies in service of his homeland until one day he made a fateful deal with Ares, the Greek God of War and lost his soul in exchange for being victorious in battle.”
As well as Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista’s post-wrestling career has seen him land roles in the likes of My Spy, Dune, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Knock at the Cabin and The Last Showgirl.
Dave Bautista reveals hulking body transformation before God of War role
