The symbolic passing of the Blades of Chaos is now a reality. Prime Video announced on January 14, 2026, that Ryan Hurst would be playing the part of Kratos in its live-action series, and this is already creating a storm on various platforms. This comes amid consideration of the character’s legacy and, more importantly, the individual who has defined the new Kratos for a whole new generation.
“BOI”: Christopher Judge gives his blessing
Christopher Judge, who has played Kratos since 2018’s God of War game, was quick to praise the choice to cast Hurst when the news first broke.
“All I wanted was for whoever was cast as Kratos was that they love, cherish, and respect Kratos as much as we all do. And with Ryan Hurst, they have done that. It’s a magnificent choice. Not only a great actor, but a great person and a gamer who actually played God of War since its inception. So, kudos. You’ve got a great live-action Kratos. Kill it, Ryan.”
This endorsement in itself is a badge of honor for most fans. The character portrayal by Judge brought Kratos from a rage-filled anti-hero to a controlled and grief-stricken father figure in the Norse series.
There’s also symmetry involved in casting. Ryan Hurst is already committed to the “God of War” franchise, having already lent his voice to Thor in the video game “God of War Ragnarök” last year. In this series, Ryan’s Thunder God was among Kratos’ fiercest enemies, appearing alongside Judge’s character.
This move from playing Thor to Kratos casts Hurst in the select group of actors who have portrayed the two sides of the same mythological concept in the same series of games, thus justifying the casting decision.
It will be directed by a group of creatives who understand the genre well. Ronald D. Moore, of Battlestar Galactica and For All Mankind fame, is set to be the showrunner of the series.
Known for his work on Shōgun and Fallout, Frederick E.O. Toye will be directing the first two episodes. Season 1 will entirely bypass Kratos’ Greek mythology and start off with the Norse Reboot story from 2018. The show will follow Kratos and his son Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread Faye’s ashes and will be marked not just for violence but also for restraint and sadness.
The shooting is scheduled to begin in March 2026 in Vancouver. Other than Hurst, the cast confirmed includes Teresa Palmer as Sif and Max Parker as Heimdall. It is pertinent to mention that a two-season series order has been placed by Prime Video.
The series, owing to the visual effects that will be used in the completion of the Lake of Nine, the mythical creatures, as well as the Nine Realms, is scheduled to premiere in late 2027. At least for now, the reality that he has been endorsed by Christopher Judge, who plays the character, has already impacted the discussion. As a result of the fandom’s extreme loyalty to Kratos, his input is very believable, and he states that Hurst is merely carrying on the legacy.
