Prime Video has announced that actor Ryan Hurst will portray Kratos in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the God of War video game series. Hurst, who previously voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök, joins a production that follows the Norse mythology storyline from the 2018 game and its 2022 sequel. The series has received a two-season order and is set to begin filming soon in Vancouver.
The casting of Ryan Hurst as the iconic Spartan warrior Kratos marks a significant step for Prime Video's God of War series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions. Announced on January 14, 2026, the news highlights Hurst's familiarity with the franchise, having voiced and provided motion capture for Thor in the 2022 game God of War Ragnarök, a performance that earned him a BAFTA nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role.
The series will closely follow the narrative of the last two games, centering on Kratos and his son Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of Faye, Kratos's wife and Atreus's mother. Through their adventures, Kratos aims to teach Atreus to be a better god, while Atreus seeks to help his father become a better human. This father-son dynamic, introduced in the 2018 God of War reboot, shifts the focus from Kratos's Greek mythology origins to Norse lore, where he interacts with figures like Thor and Odin.
Ronald D. Moore, known for Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek, serves as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye, whose credits include The Boys and Fallout, will helm the first two episodes. Pre-production is underway in Vancouver, with filming expected to start in March 2026. The series has already been renewed for a second season.
Developer Santa Monica Studio expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We're excited to see his take on Kratos as he joins the legendary ranks of T.C. Carson and Christopher Judge who have each shaped this character in unforgettable ways." No casting has been announced for Atreus, though rumors suggest Olafur Darri Olafsson may play Thor. Hurst's extensive resume includes roles as Opie in Sons of Anarchy, Beta in The Walking Dead, and upcoming work in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.
Previously, Kratos was voiced by T.C. Carson in the original games and Christopher Judge in the Norse era titles. There is no release date yet for the series.