We now have the first image of Ryan Hurst playing Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming TV adaptation of God of War. While the look is pretty much as we’d expect it to be, there are some subtle differences from how this central antiheroic protagonist is presented in the video game series which spawned the show.
Hurst beat out several major contenders to play Kratos in this God of War adaptation, including Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. Our first look at his characterization of the legendary warrior suggests that he’s more than up to the challenge. Hurst is bedecked in Kratos’ brown leather toga, with a matching backpack containing his legendary axe.
In addition, of course, his head is shaved completely bald except for a long beard, and his face features the signature red lightning bolt that Kratos has painted over his eye. The image shows Hurst’s God of War character out hunting with Atreus, his young son, who is otherwise known by the name of the Norse god, Loki.
As visually complete as this TV adaptation of Kratos is, however, there are some small but key differences from the God of War video game series. We already know that Ryan Hurst is roughly the same height as the video game character, but his facial features differ slightly.
For instance, in Prime Video’s first-look image, Hurst’s beard is considerably thinner than the bushy, grizzled hair we’re used to seeing around Kratos’ imposing jawline. This could be a deliberate visual detail on the part of the TV show’s production team, which may want to portray Kratos as slightly younger at the beginning of its story.
There’s no mistaking, though, that Hurst’s dark eyes look noticeably different from the piercing, bright auburn glare that Kratos gives whenever he’s front-of-screen in the games. This difference perhaps takes away some of the character’s godlike aura, but at the same time helps to ground the TV show in material reality, lending some humanity to its semi-divine protagonist.
Another key distinction we should look out for when God of War premieres on Prime Video will be in Kratos’ voice. Christopher Judge is the actor who’s lent his deep, booming voice to the character throughout the video game series. Ryan Hurst, by contrast, has a slightly lighter but more gravely sound to his voice.
Christopher Judge Is Right About Hurst Being The Perfect TV Kratos
Nevertheless, bringing a live-action iteration of a beloved animated character to life onscreen is ultimately about the acting. Looking and sounding more or less like Kratos will be straightforward enough for Ryan Hurst and Prime Video’s God of War production team, but it’s his ability to inhabit the character’s personality that will convince people he’s the right choice for the role.
Christopher Judge’s verdict on this live-action Kratos is already clear, though. He’s given his fellow actor a ringing endorsement, pointing to Hurst’s experience voicing Thor in the video game sequel God of War Ragnarök and his history playing the original game as key benefits of this casting decision.
God of War looks set to be one of Prime Video’s biggest fantasy adventure releases of the coming two years. The casting of Ryan Hurst as Kratos will only boost its chance of success, given his love for the franchise, and his pedigree as an actor in shows like Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Christopher Judge is spot on.
-
- Created by
-
David Jaffe
- Upcoming TV Shows
-
God of War
- Character(s)
-
Kratos, Atreus, Athena (God of War), Ares (God of War), Zeus (God of War), Baldur, Thor (God of War), Freya (God of War)
- Video Game(s)
-
God of War (2005), God of War II, God of War: Betrayal, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War: Origins Collection, God of War: Ascension, God of War III: Remastered, God of War: A Call from the Wilds, God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarok
The God of War franchise is an action-adventure series that follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior, on his journey through Greek and Norse mythology. It is widely recognized for its intense combat, mythological storylines, and technical innovation. The series has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, making it one of PlayStation’s flagship properties.