Prime Video has confirmed the central casting for its highly anticipated live-action God of War series, naming actor Ryan Hurst as its Kratos. The news, announced on January 14, 2026, reveals Hurst will step into the role of the Ghost of Sparta, marking a return to the franchise for the actor who previously voiced Thor in the God of War Ragnarรถk video game. The show has a two-season order and will adapt the story from the popular Norse-era PlayStation games.
Ryan Hurst’s Journey from Thor to Kratos
Ryan Hurst is no stranger to the God of War universe, a fact that makes his casting both a surprise and a logical choice for Amazon. In 2022’s God of War Ragnarรถk, Hurst provided the voice and performance for the Norse god Thor, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination. This background gives him established familiarity with the franchise’s tone and mythological setting.
โHurst has the voice and presence for a god, clearly,โ one analysis noted, suggesting his prior role was excellent preparation for portraying Kratos.
Fans best know Hurst for his television roles as the beloved Opie Winston on Sons of Anarchy and the intimidating Beta on The Walking Dead. His film credits include Remember the Titans and Saving Private Ryan, and he is set to appear in Christopher Nolanโs upcoming film The Odyssey.
A New Actor for an Iconic Video Game Role
The casting means Hurst will take over a character famously voiced by Christopher Judge in the 2018 God of War reboot and its sequel. Judgeโs deep, gravelly performance defined the modern iteration of Kratos and won major awards, leading some fans to hope he might portray the character in live-action.
Amazonโs decision to cast Hurst, who is 12 years younger than Judge, indicates a new direction for the physical portrayal of the Spartan warrior. The studio released a side-by-side image comparing Hurst to the gameโs Kratos, expressing confidence in his ability to embody the characterโs iconic look and formidable presence. The role will require a significant physical transformation to match Kratosโs heavily muscled and bare-chested appearance from the games.
The Story and Creative Team Behind the God of War Series
The Prime Video series will adapt the narrative from the 2018 God of War game and Ragnarรถk. The story follows the grieving father and son, Kratos and Atreus, as they journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. The official logline states the core theme: โThrough their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better humanโ.
The project is led by celebrated showrunner Ronald D. Moore, known for Battlestar Galactica and Outlander. Moore serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Directing the first two episodes is Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye, whose recent credits include Shลgun and The Boys.
The series is a major co-production between Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, PlayStation Productions, and Mooreโs Tall Ship Productions. God of War game director Cory Barlog is also attached as an executive producer.
Also Read:
Production Status and Fan Reactions
Pre-production for the God of War series is currently underway in Vancouver, Canada. Filming is scheduled to begin in March 2026. While Hurstโs casting is the first official announcement, roles for Atreus, Mimir, Freya, and other key characters have yet to be revealed.
The announcement sparked immediate reactions from fans and followers. On Prime Videoโs official social media post, one fan commented on the poetic nature of the casting: โHe died loving his family as Opie, and now he is risen from the ashes to take his anger out on the Godsโ. Others questioned why Christopher Judge was not chosen, with one asking, โHow about the guy that voiced Kratos?โ. Overall, the response has been a mix of surprise at the choice from within the gameโs cast and curiosity to see Hurstโs transformation.
The Expanding World of Video Game Adaptations
Amazonโs God of War joins a growing slate of successful video game adaptations on television. Prime Video itself found major success with Fallout, while HBOโs The Last of Us set a high standard for the genre. The series represents another strategic collaboration between Sonyโ PlayStation Productions and a streaming platform to bring its iconic game franchises to a new audience.
With a proven creative team, a committed two-season order, and now its lead actor, the live-action God of War is moving firmly from concept to reality. The series is expected to premiere on Prime Video in 2027.
Also Read: Spartacus House of Ashur Episode 8 Release Date Set for January 23 After Short Delay
