PRIME Video’s long-awaited live-action adaptation of ‘God of War’ has found its leading man, with Ryan Hurst cast as Kratos. The series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, is based on the hugely successful PlayStation video game franchise.
Hurst is widely recognised for his role as Opie Winston in FX’s acclaimed biker drama ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He also made a strong impression as the antagonist Beta in AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’.
The 50-year-old actor will portray Kratos, the central character across all ten titles in the ‘God of War’ series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kratos is a Spartan warrior who trades his soul to the god Ares in exchange for victory in battle, setting him on a brutal and tragic path.
The casting marks Hurst’s return to the ‘God of War’ universe. He previously voiced Thor in the video game ‘God of War: Ragnarök’, making him a familiar presence to fans of the franchise.
The series is being overseen by Ronald D. Moore, best known for ‘Outlander’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica’, who serves as showrunner. The project is reportedly planned for two seasons, with casting and pre-production currently under way.
Frederick E.O. Toye is said to be directing the first two episodes.
According to Deadline, the series will centre on Kratos and his 10-year-old son, Atreus, as they set out on a journey to scatter the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Along the way, Kratos attempts to guide his son towards becoming a better god, while Atreus, in turn, challenges his father to become a better man.
Born in Sparta, Kratos possesses god-like powers and is known throughout the franchise for his battles against fearsome creatures and even gods themselves. His character has become iconic in popular culture, defined by stoicism, extraordinary combat skills and a deeply tragic past.
This adaptation will closely follow the narrative arc of the franchise’s two most recent games, placing the evolving father-and-son relationship at the heart of the story. The emotional bond between Kratos and Atreus represents a defining chapter in the God of War saga and will form the core of the television series.
