WATCH NOW: RYAN HURST CAST AS KRATOS IN PRIME VIDEO’S ‘GOD OF WAR’ LIVE-ACTION SERIES
The “Ghost of Sparta” has found his face—and it’s a name that fans of the franchise know very well. In a massive development for one of the most anticipated television projects in years, Ryan Hurst has been officially cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming live-action God of War series.
The news, confirmed on January 14, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios. Hurst, widely beloved for his role as Opie Winston in Sons of Anarchy and Beta in The Walking Dead, isn’t just a newcomer to the Nine Realms. He famously provided the voice and motion capture for Thor in the 2022 blockbuster game God of War Ragnarök, a performance that earned him a BAFTA nomination and instant legendary status among gamers. Now, he’s trading the Mjölnir for the Blades of Chaos.
A Bold Casting Choice: From Thor to Kratos
The decision to cast Hurst as Kratos has sent shockwaves through the community. While many fans speculated that the series might look to Christopher Judge (the voice of Kratos in the Norse-era games) or a traditional action star like Jason Momoa, showrunner Ronald D. Moore (Outlander, Battlestar Galactica) appears to be leaning into gritty, character-driven depth.
Hurst stands 6’4″, mirroring the towering physical presence of the Norse-era Kratos. More importantly, his career has been defined by playing “the silent protector” and “the tragic warrior”—archetypes that are essential for the older, more stoic Kratos we see in the 2018 reboot.
The Production Details
- Showrunner: Ronald D. Moore
- Director: Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun, The Boys) will direct the first two episodes.
- Production Location: Vancouver, BC.
- Order Length: A massive two-season upfront order.
- Filming Start: March 2026.
Adapting the Norse Saga
Prime Video’s adaptation is set to skip the early Greek “hack-and-slash” years, focusing instead on the 2018 Norse reboot. The story picks up with an older Kratos who has left his blood-soaked past in Greece behind. After the death of his wife, Faye, he and his estranged son, Atreus, must journey to the highest peak in the realms to scatter her ashes.
Through this odyssey, Kratos must teach Atreus how to be a god, while Atreus unwittingly teaches his father how to be human again. This “Dad of War” dynamic was the heartbeat of the modern games and will be the central pillar of the live-action series.
The Creative Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The involvement of Ronald D. Moore gives the project immediate prestige. Known for his ability to weave complex political and emotional narratives into science fiction and fantasy, Moore is a natural fit for a story about a man trying to outrun his own history.
“We are trying to emulate the tone of the game,” Moore stated in a recent interview. “It’s an epic journey, but it’s also a heartfelt story about two men trying to honor a memory. It has that emotional heart, but there’s also a sense of mystery about who Kratos is and what he represents.”
Supporting Moore is an executive production team that includes Cory Barlog, the visionary director of the 2018 game, ensuring that the series stays true to the source material’s DNA.
What’s Next? The Hunt for Atreus
With Kratos officially cast, the search is now on for Atreus. The chemistry between Kratos and his son is the make-or-break element for the show. Casting for Atreus is currently underway in Vancouver, along with other iconic roles like the “Smartest Man Alive” Mimir, and the comedic duo of Brok and Sindri.
As pre-production ramps up, fans are already looking forward to the first teaser trailers, likely to drop in late 2026 or early 2027.
Stay Connected During the Wait
While we wait for more casting updates, make sure to stay connected with the community. Given the recent news regarding network stability, always check your service status to ensure you don’t miss any breaking entertainment news.
