Why Ryan Hurst is the perfect Kratos: How the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ star landed Prime Video’s God of War
Ryan Hurst cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War. Image Credit: IGN
Prime Video has officially found its God of War. Ryan Hurst, best known for his emotionally charged performances in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, has been cast as Kratos in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of PlayStation’s legendary video game franchise.
The series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, has already received a two-season order, with pre-production underway in Vancouver. The announcement marks a major milestone for one of the most ambitious video game adaptations ever attempted for television.
What Prime Video’s ‘God of War’ Series Is About
Developed by Ronald D. Moore (Outlander, For All Mankind), God of War follows the deeply emotional journey of Kratos and his young son Atreus as they attempt to scatter the ashes of Kratos’s wife, Faye.
Set against a backdrop of ancient mythology, the story explores grief, redemption, and fatherhood. While Kratos is a god forged by violence and war, Atreus becomes the moral center of the story, forcing his father to confront his past and redefine what strength truly means.
The show will closely follow the narrative arc of the two most recent God of War games, which reimagined Kratos not just as a warrior, but as a flawed, grieving parent.
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Why Ryan Hurst Is a Natural Fit for Kratos
Casting Ryan Hurst as Kratos is being widely praised as a bold but fitting choice.
Hurst has built a career portraying physically imposing yet emotionally complex characters, most famously Opie Winston in FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Opie’s arc, marked by loyalty, loss, internal conflict, and quiet intensity, mirrors many of the same traits that define Kratos.
Kratos is not a talkative hero. His power comes from restraint, grief, and suppressed rage, qualities Hurst has consistently demonstrated on screen.
Ryan Hurst’s God of War Connection Runs Deep
This casting also marks Hurst’s return to the God of War universe.
He previously portrayed Thor in God of War Ragnarök, a performance that earned him a BAFTA nomination. That role showcased his ability to embody mythological power while adding emotional nuance, an essential requirement for portraying Kratos in live action.
Few actors understand the franchise’s tone and themes as intimately as Hurst, giving the series a level of continuity that longtime fans will recognize and appreciate.
Ryan Hurst’s Past Roles and How They Translate to Kratos
Hurst’s résumé reads like a blueprint for Kratos:
- Opie Winston (Sons of Anarchy) – A tragic warrior figure defined by loyalty, loss, and moral struggle.
- Beta (The Walking Dead) – A physically dominant, fear-inducing presence with an almost mythic intensity.
- Bosch – Showed restraint and grounded realism.
- Bates Motel and SWAT – Demonstrated versatility across genres.
- The Abandons (Netflix) – A reunion with Kurt Sutter that reinforced his ability to carry emotionally heavy narratives.
Kratos requires an actor who can communicate pain, restraint, and menace without exposition, a skill Hurst has refined over decades.
Who’s Behind the Series
God of War boasts an impressive creative team:
- Showrunner: Ronald D. Moore
- Director (First Two Episodes): Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun, The Boys)
- Executive Producers: Cory Barlog, Maril Davis, Naren Shankar, Asad Qizilbash, Hermen Hulst, among others
The involvement of PlayStation Productions ensures close fidelity to the source material.
What’s Next for Ryan Hurst
Beyond God of War, Hurst is set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey, slated for release on July 17, a fitting project for an actor now stepping fully into mythic storytelling.
FAQ
Who is playing Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War?
Ryan Hurst has been officially cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s live-action God of War series.
Why was Ryan Hurst chosen as Kratos?
Hurst’s history of portraying emotionally complex, physically imposing characters makes him an ideal fit for Kratos’s tragic and restrained persona.
Has Ryan Hurst worked on God of War before?
Yes. He previously voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök and received a BAFTA nomination for the role.
What is the God of War series about?
The show follows Kratos and his son Atreus on a mythological journey centered on grief, fatherhood, and redemption.
Will the series follow the video games?
Yes. The story will closely follow the narrative of the most recent God of War games.
Who is producing God of War for Prime Video?
The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and PlayStation Productions.
When will God of War premiere on Prime Video?
An official release date has not yet been announced, but production is underway in Vancouver.
What other major roles is Ryan Hurst known for?
Hurst is best known for Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, Bosch, and The Abandons.