God of War Live-Action Kratos Casting Shortlist 'Revealed', The Hope is Real

Hearing that your favourite game is getting a live-action adaptation no longer strikes fear into hearts with many shows, such as The Last of Us and Fallout, proving that it is actually possible.

Over the past few years, live-action adaptations are finally getting the love they deserve (not you Uncharted and Minecraft) and as a result, many gamers are eager to see some of their favourite titles head to the big-screen.

Luckily, that is most certainly the case for 2018’s God of War as it has now been greenlit for a two-season live-action adaptation courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

Not only that but according to a brand-new report from Variety, the casting process has begun and our possible Kratos has been narrowed down in a newly revealed shortlist.

Welcoming Emmy Award-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye, who is best known for Shōgun and The Boys, as the brains behind the first two episodes of Season 1, fans are eager to see who will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Christopher Judge who portrayed Kratos in the video game franchise.

With filming expected to begin in Vancouver in March 2026, the God of War television series will delve into the Norse-era of the recent Santa Monica Studio reboot.

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Based on the 2018 God of War, the official synopsis reads as follows:

“God of War follows father and son Kratos and Atreus as they 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.”

Kratos meets Hollywood

So who could be taking on the mammoth role of our favourite Spartan warrior?

Well, according to insider John Campea, there is an "unconfirmed" list of actors who could be taking on the role and they are as follows:

• Winston Duke (Black Panther, Us)
• Joe Manganiello (Justice League, True Blood)
• Christopher Judge (voice of Kratos in the games)
• Manu Bennett (Arrow, Spartacus)
• Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones)
• Travis Fimmel (Vikings)
• Olivier Richters (“The Dutch Giant”)

Of course, these should be taken with a pinch of salt but there is one name there that many fans have been campaigning for for years.

“Just cast Judge, if he's physically up for it. No downside; fans will love it, new viewers won't care who it is anyway,” one comment over on r/GodofWar shared.

“He's got the voice and understands the character.

Honestly the voice is so important, I can't really imagine any of these other dudes getting close.”

With many fans that Judge will reprise his role as Kratos, his ongoing health issues could hinder this which is a shame to say the least.

However, with such an exciting list to choose from, there is no doubt that our live-action Kratos will be the star of the show when God of War airs heads to Prime Video in 2027.