Casting Kratos for Amazon’s God of War TV Show: 5 Actors Who’d Nail the Part, Ranked

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The God of War video game series is considered a landmark achievement, evolving from a brutal story of Greek mythology to a complex Norse saga centered on a father-son relationship. The team at Santa Monica Studio pioneered a compelling style of interactive storytelling, and now Amazon’s Prime Video is working to bring that vision to television. After some initial challenges and a change in leadership, with Rafe Judkins departing and Ronald D. Moore taking over as showrunner, the God of War series has gained momentum. With a commitment for two seasons and Frederick E.O. Toye directing the first episodes, production is now actively underway in Vancouver.

The upcoming God of War TV show largely depends on finding the right actor to play Kratos. While Christopher Judge, who voiced and performed the character in the games, is a fan favorite and wants the role, making a live-action TV series presents challenges. Judge has dealt with significant health issues, including back and hip surgeries that previously impacted the game God of War Ragnarök. A long-running TV show demands a lot physically, with extensive stunt work, which is different from the controlled motion capture process used in games. Therefore, Amazon is probably looking for an actor who can convincingly portray Kratos’ strength and emotional complexity over multiple seasons.

5) Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is a brilliant actor who truly shines when he can transform himself through physical changes or by concealing his face. His role as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises demonstrated his ability to command attention and project power even when hidden, a skill that fits perfectly with a character who keeps his feelings guarded. While Hardy is shorter than the original Kratos, filmmakers have long used clever camera work to overcome such differences. He might not have the height, but he more than makes up for it with a powerful presence and intense performance. As seen in Mad Max: Fury Road, he’s a master at conveying emotion through small gestures and minimal dialogue – essentially, he speaks volumes without saying much, just like the Norse Kratos. Casting Hardy would prioritize his acting ability over a perfect physical match, ensuring the more intimate scenes between Kratos and his son are especially impactful.

4) Olivier Richters

If the team prioritizes a physically imposing Kratos, Olivier Richters, known as “The Dutch Giant” at 7’2”, is a perfect fit. He played Ursa in Black Widow, convincingly dominating scenes with his size without needing special effects. Casting Richters would allow for powerful wide shots highlighting Kratos’ immense size – a key part of his identity as a god. While he may not have the most extensive acting experience, Richters offers a realistic presence that CGI can’t match. As a professional bodybuilder, he’s also dedicated to maintaining the necessary physique throughout a long shoot. While his acting range might be a slight concern, visually, he is Kratos.

3) Winston Duke

Winston Duke has a natural presence that immediately draws people in. He first gained widespread recognition as M’Baku in Black Panther, where he convincingly went head-to-head with the film’s heroes. At 6’5″, he has the physical stature for powerful roles, and his deep voice is a perfect match for the character’s imposing sound. Duke also brings a sense of world-weariness that fits the more mature and burdened Kratos from the recent video games. Beyond action, Duke has proven his versatility with emotionally complex roles in films like Us. He’s particularly skilled at portraying characters like Kratos – someone who is struggling to control a powerful and potentially destructive side, while also grappling with personal issues like being a father.

2) Ethan Suplee

Ethan Suplee’s physical transformation is truly remarkable in Hollywood. While many remember him for funny roles in shows like My Name Is Earl, he’s recently dedicated himself to becoming a powerful and muscular powerlifter. He’s even changed his appearance so much that he now strikingly resembles the video game character Kratos, sporting a full beard. But Suplee is more than just his physique; he’s a seasoned actor with years of experience. He’s skilled at expressing emotions like pain and regret through his expressions, which is crucial for portraying Kratos’ complex relationship with his son, Atreus. He perfectly balances professional acting ability with the imposing physical presence needed for the role.

1) Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa seems perfectly suited to play Kratos. He’s established himself as a leading action star with Chief of War on Apple TV+, a historical epic where he not only starred but also wrote and produced, proving he can handle complex stories and portray a strong leader. When you add his roles as Aquaman and the warrior Baba Voss in See, it’s clear he’s been preparing to play Kratos for years. Momoa has a rare combination of powerful physicality and emotional depth. He’s one of the few major actors who is naturally large enough for the part without relying on visual effects, but also charming enough to lead a big franchise. Plus, he’s comfortable with demanding aspects like heavy makeup, stunts, and fight choreography, making him a natural fit for the role.

Who would be your pick to play Kratos, the God of War, in a movie or show? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-10 00:42