GOD OF WAR TV Series Will Recast Kratos After Ryan Hurst Injury Forces Major Production Shake-Up
Prime Video's live-action God of War series has hit a major roadblock. Just months after revealing a first look at Ryan Hurst as Kratos, the production is now being forced to recast the character following an on-set injury suffered by the actor.
The actorended up tearing a bicep in late June, and because of the lengthy recovery time, typically 6 months, the physicality required to play Kratos, and the show's production schedule, the decision was made to recast the lead role and reshoot the four episodes filmed so far.
It's a tough break for everyone involved, but especially for Hurst. Landing the role of Kratos in one of gaming's biggest franchises is the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often, and losing it because of an injury has to sting.
It’s surprising is that Prime Video isn't waiting for him to recover, but the situation is significant enough that the production will now be recast the lead role entirely.
It feels harsh, but at the end of the day, big-budget productions don't often have the luxury of waiting. Business is business, even when it leaves fans and actors disappointed.
The new actor will step into Kratos' boots opposite Callum Vinson, who plays Kratos' young son Atreus. Ironically, Hurst was already part of the God of War universe long before landing the live-action role. He voiced the Norse god Thor in God of War: Ragnarok, making this an especially unfortunate turn of events.
The rest of the cast includes Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn and Jeff Gulka as the dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri, and Ed Skrein as Baldur.
The production is now hoping to cast a new Kratos quickly enough to resume filming by mid-fall. It’ll be interesting to see who ends up being cast in the role.
For those unfamiliar with the character, the official description reads: “Kratos is Spartan by birth, and a god by nature. Raised in a martial culture, he rose to command armies in service of his homeland until one day he made a fateful deal with Ares, the Greek God of War and lost his soul in exchange for being victorious in battle.”
The series will adapt the story introduced in the two most recent God of War games, shifting the focus from Kratos' bloody past to his relationship with his son.
The official logline says: “Father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through 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 human.”
Amazon clearly still has plenty of confidence in the project despite this setback. God of War has already received a two-season order, with Ronald D. Moore serving as writer, executive producer, and showrunner under his Tall Ship Productions banner. Frederick E.O. Toye is directing the first two episodes.
Hurst's recent work includes Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, as well as television projects including The Abandons, S.W.A.T., The Mysterious Benedict Society, Paradise City, and The Walking Dead.
As disappointing as this situation is, it'll be interesting to see who ultimately lands one of the most iconic roles in video game history. Kratos is a character fans are incredibly protective of, so whoever steps in will have some big shoes to fill.
Hopefully Hurst makes a full recovery, and hopefully Prime Video finds an actor who can bring the same level of intensity, heart, and physical presence that made Kratos such a great character in the games.