God of War Series Confirms Its Villain (And the Actor Is Perfect)

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The God of War games from the Norse period are famous for their powerful stories, which helped develop Kratos into a complex and relatable character. A key part of what made those stories so impactful was the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus. However, the games wouldn’t have been as memorable without equally strong villains. Throughout his adventures in the Nine Realms, Kratos faced many interesting enemies, often culminating in epic boss battles. Now, with casting underway for the upcoming God of War TV series on Prime Video, we’ve learned who will play the first Norse god Kratos encounters – and it’s an excellent choice.

Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios have confirmed that Ed Skrein will play Baldur, the primary antagonist from the 2018 video game God of War. Baldur is the son of Odin and Freya. The character description, provided below, will likely resonate with fans of the game.

Though Baldur is Odin’s youngest son, he’s arguably his most formidable weapon. He’s captivating, unpredictable, and known for his cutting wit, living life on his own terms. As a child, a curse robbed him of the ability to experience pleasure or physical feeling. This has resulted in a relentless rage and thirst for battle, leading him to favor a powerful, close-combat fighting style. More than anything, Baldur craves a worthy opponent – someone who can finally give him a sensation, any sensation, in battle.

Why Ed Skrein Is Perfect for Baldur in God of War

Louis Skrein is well-known for playing villains. He first gained attention as Ajax in Deadpool, and has since played antagonists in films like Alita: Battle Angel and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon. His role as Baldur in the God of War series continues this trend, and many believe it’s his most compelling performance yet. Like many characters in the God of War universe, Baldur is a deeply troubled character. His mother, Freya, tried to protect him with a curse, but it ultimately left him unable to feel anything, making his life a constant struggle.

Karl Urban’s portrayal of Baldur perfectly matches his acting strengths – a captivating mix of confidence and instability. Urban naturally commands attention on screen and is also skilled at creating a sense of unease. Baldur’s defining characteristic is his fearlessness, which makes him unpredictable and incredibly dangerous. Because he feels no pain and can’t be harmed, he’s reckless and dives into battles without hesitation. The game God of War immediately establishes Baldur as a powerful enemy with a stunning fight against Kratos. It will be exciting to see Urban’s take on this iconic scene, and other key moments, showcasing his action skills and talent for playing villains.

Karl Urban’s portrayal of Baldur offers a chance to demonstrate his acting skills, particularly as the primary antagonist of the first season. Baldur isn’t simply a typical villain; his deep-seated resentment towards his mother makes him a surprisingly nuanced and almost relatable character. The upcoming God of War series on Prime Video is building on the game’s lore by introducing characters like Thor and Odin earlier in the story. It will be compelling to see if the show further develops Baldur’s character by exploring his family relationships. Specifically, expanding on his connection with Freya could create an intriguing contrast to the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus.

While we’ll have to wait to see the God of War series on Prime Video, the actors announced so far seem perfectly cast. Following the success of Fallout, Prime Video is clearly aiming to become the best place to watch adaptations of video games, with God of War and Tomb Raider on the way. Adapting the highly praised God of War games won’t be simple, but the show has the potential to be truly great. Some are even hoping it could become Prime Video’s equivalent of Game of Thrones, a show that actor Louis Skrein also appeared in.

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2026-02-25 00:17