Ryan Hurst Shows Off How Shredded He Got For God Of War, Before Misfortune Struck
Ryan Hurst was cast to play Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming live-action God of War series, undergoing an intensive physical transformation to embody the brutish god-slayer. However, his tenure in the role ended abruptly when he sustained a serious bicep tear injury requiring surgery, forcing the production to recast the role.
Prior to his departure, Prime Video released an official promotional image of Hurst in costume as Kratos that drew widespread ridicule from fans and critics. The image was mocked for its CGI-like backdrop, unconvincing prop weapons, and an awkward pose. God of War creator David Jaffe became a vocal critic, memorably describing the stance as looking “like he was shitting in the woods,” encapsulating the harsh reception to the promotional material.
Following the negative reception and his subsequent injury, Hurst posted a personal photo on Instagram Stories showcasing the physique he had developed for the role. Though the Stories post disappeared after 24 hours, the image was preserved and circulated among God of War fans. The reaction stands in stark contrast to the earlier official promotion, with fans praising its quality and expressing that Hurst looked far more suited to the role than the problematic promotional image suggested.
The situation highlights the expectations placed on live-action adaptations of beloved gaming properties and the scrutiny casting choices face from dedicated fanbases. While Hurst’s injury unfortunately ended his involvement, his personal photos demonstrate what might have been, underscoring the gap between professional promotional efforts and real-world performance capabilities.