Ryan Hurst Takes Control of God of War, But Is He the Kratos Fans Actually Wanted?

Ryan Hurst has been cast as Kratos in Prime Video's live-action adaptation of God of War, a decision that immediately places one of gaming's most recognisable characters under renewed scrutiny. The announcement has sent fans buzzing, with expectations soaring for how one of PlayStation's most iconic characters will be brought to life on screen.

With a two-season order already in place and pre-production underway, Amazon signals its intent to move quickly on a project that carries enormous expectations from long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Casting Confirmed as Amazon Moves Forward

The series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with PlayStation Productions, will adapt the Norse-era storyline that reshaped the franchise in recent years.

Filming preparations are taking place in Vancouver, with casting now beginning across key roles. According to Deadline, the show has already received a firm two-season order and plans for pre-production to move quickly. The show follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey to fulfil a deeply personal quest, placing their evolving relationship at the centre of the narrative.

For Amazon, the stakes are high. God of War is not just another video game adaptation but a flagship property with a global audience and a legacy spanning more than a decade.

Why Kratos Is One of Gaming's Most Demanding Roles

Kratos is a character defined by evolution. Introduced as a ruthless Spartan warrior driven by vengeance, he later became a restrained and reflective father figure grappling with loss and responsibility. This transformation divided opinion among fans but also earned the series critical acclaim and commercial success.

Any live-action portrayal must balance these eras, capturing both the character's brutal past and his quieter, more emotional present. That challenge alone makes casting Kratos a decision likely to be debated long before cameras roll.

Ryan Hurst's Unique Franchise Connection

Hurst is not new to the God of War universe. He previously voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök, a performance that earned him a BAFTA nomination and praise from players for its intensity and depth. His return in a leading role brings familiarity with the franchise's tone and themes, something the producers may view as an advantage.

At the same time, stepping from a supporting voice role to embodying Kratos on screen is a significant leap. The move raises questions about how audiences will respond to a familiar performer taking on such a defining figure.

A Fanbase With Split Expectations

The headline question of whether Hurst is the Kratos fans wanted reflects a broader reality. God of War's audience is far from unified. Some players remain attached to the rage-fuelled anti-hero of the earlier games, while others embraced the more introspective version introduced in the Norse saga.

The live-action series appears committed to the latter, focusing on the father-son dynamic that redefined the franchise. For some fans, that direction is overdue. For others, it represents a departure from what first made Kratos iconic.

Creative Team Signals the Show's Direction

The series is led by Ronald D. Moore, best known for character-driven dramas that blend spectacle with emotional depth. Executive producers include Cory Barlog, who helped steer the modern games, alongside veteran television creatives.

This combination suggests a deliberate attempt to respect the source material while adapting it for a long-form television audience. Early signs point to a focus on character and mythology rather than action alone.

Pressure Builds as Production Nears

Casting Kratos sets the tone for the entire adaptation. While no footage has yet been released, reactions will continue to build as more details emerge. For Amazon, the success of God of War could shape perceptions of its broader strategy with video game adaptations.

As production progresses, further casting announcements and creative updates are likely to determine whether Hurst's take on Kratos eases concerns or intensifies debate among fans watching closely.