The live-action adaptation of Sony’s blockbuster God of War franchise has taken a bold step forward with the casting of Ryan Hurst as the iconic Spartan warrior Kratos, and now Christopher Judge—the voice behind the character in the acclaimed 2018 reboot and its sequel Ragnarök—has offered his enthusiastic endorsement while dropping hints about an exciting mythological twist that could pave the way for a sequel.
On January 14, 2026, Prime Video unveiled Hurst as Kratos in a striking promotional image: the 6’4″ actor standing imposingly beside a life-sized statue of the Ghost of Sparta, his bearded, muscular frame a near-perfect match for the game’s design. Hurst, best known for his gritty roles as Opie in Sons of Anarchy and Beta in The Walking Dead, brings a proven track record of portraying brooding, physically dominant figures. But what elevates this choice is his prior involvement in the God of War universe: Hurst voiced the boisterous Norse god Thor in God of War Ragnarök, a performance so commanding it earned a BAFTA nomination. Fans immediately noted the meta irony—Thor stepping into Kratos’ boots after their epic in-game clashes.
Christopher Judge wasted no time chiming in. Responding to the announcement on X, the 61-year-old actor posted: “Congrats Ryan!!!! You’re gonna be great… BOI !!! ❤️” The affectionate “BOI”—Kratos’ signature exasperated call to his son Atreus—signaled Judge’s full-throated support, easing concerns among fans who had hoped he’d take the role himself. Rumors had swirled that Judge auditioned or expressed interest, but his age and health history (including back surgery, hip replacements, and knee issues that delayed Ragnarök) made it impractical for the physically demanding part, which involves intense hand-to-hand combat and possible nudity per leaked casting calls.
Judge’s blessing extends further. In recent interviews tied to the casting buzz, he expressed hope that the series could explore fresh mythological ground: “I have no doubt that whatever the mythology, hopefully his portrayal will fit the original Kratos.” This echoes his longstanding wish for God of War to tackle Egyptian mythology—a “full circle” nod to his breakout role as Teal’c in Stargate SG-1, where he battled faux Egyptian gods. Speaking at MCM London Comic Con in October 2025, Judge mused, “Because I became best known as Teal’c from Stargate, to go to Egypt would be kind of a completion… But whatever is decided—if there is another game, I have no doubt that no matter what pantheon it is, it will be great.” Fans interpret this as teasing not just a game sequel but potential for the TV show, where Hurst’s Norse-era Kratos could transition into pharaoh-slaying adventures against deities like Ra, Anubis, or Sobek.
The Prime Video series, greenlit for two seasons by Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, and Tall Ship Productions, adapts the Norse saga from the 2018 game onward. Exiled from Greece after slaying the Olympians, Kratos raises his son Atreus (yet to be cast) in Midgard, fulfilling Faye’s final wish to scatter her ashes. Their journey pits father against Norse gods like Odin and Thor, forcing Kratos to confront his rage while teaching Atreus restraint. Showrunner Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) promises a faithful yet prestige-TV take, with Emmy-winner Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun, The Boys) directing the first two episodes. Pre-production is underway in Vancouver, filming starts March 2026.
This casting aligns perfectly with the story’s demands. Hurst’s Thor was a hulking, tragic antagonist—alcoholic, conflicted, and brutally powerful—mirroring Kratos’ own arc from destroyer to reluctant mentor. At 49, Hurst offers stamina for multi-season action, his deep timbre evoking Judge’s gravelly authority without imitation. Santa Monica Studio praised the pick: “We’re excited to see his take on Kratos as he joins the legendary ranks of T.C. Carson and Christopher Judge.” T.C. Carson voiced the original wrathful Kratos from 2005-2013, setting the rage-filled template Judge humanized.
Fan reactions exploded across Reddit (r/GodofWar, r/PS5) and X. Many celebrated the “full circle” potential: “Chris Judge as Thor in Season 2!” trended, with jokes about meta flashbacks where Judge’s Kratos warns Hurst’s of Egyptian perils. Others lamented skipping Greek origins but appreciated Hurst’s franchise ties: “He voiced Thor—he gets it.” Purists mourned Judge but acknowledged realities: “He’s 61; Hurst looks the part and has the pipes.”
Judge’s comments fuel speculation for expansion. Post-Ragnarök, Kratos’ future hints at new pantheons—Egypt fits seamlessly, blending Greek-Egyptian syncretism (e.g., Zeus equated with Amun). A Season 1 Norse focus could segue into Egypt for Season 2, with Hurst’s Kratos battling Nile horrors. Judge’s slip at Comic Con—”wait… if there is another game”—hinted at ongoing game development, but his TV well-wishes suggest crossover synergy.
Hurst’s resume bolsters confidence: from Remember the Titans to Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey, he excels in epic, physical roles. This isn’t stunt casting—it’s strategic, honoring the games while building longevity.
As production accelerates, Judge’s support bridges eras, ensuring Kratos’ essence endures. Hurst inherits a legacy of gods slain and fathers redeemed; with Egypt on the horizon, the Ghost of Sparta’s conquests could span realms anew. For fans, it’s not replacement—it’s evolution. Hurst may wield the Leviathan Axe, but Judge’s voice echoes eternally: “BOI, you’re gonna be great.”
