Prime Video has finally found its live-action Kratos in The Abandons star Ryan Hurst for its upcoming TV adaptation of God of War.
Considered one of Hollywood’s most seasoned character actors and having portrayed the Norse god Thor in the 2022 video game God of War Ragnarök, casting Hurst as the iconic Spartan warrior is a no-brainer.
So, who is Hurst, and is he the right fit to lead Sony’s God of War franchise? Read on to find out.
Who is Ryan Hurst?
Known for his powerful screen presence and intense performances, Hurst grew up in a Hollywood family as the son of actor Rick Hurst (best known for playing Cletus on The Dukes of Hazzard) and acting coach Candace Kaniecki.
He entered the industry in 1993, appearing in a recurring role on the NBC teen comedy series Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
In 1998, he appeared in the war film Saving Private Ryan, portraying paratrooper Michaelson, a character known for communicating with Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) despite temporary hearing loss.
From there, Hurst appeared in several projects before landing his breakout role as fan-favorite Opie Winston in the FX crime drama Sons of Anarchy, which earned him a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Other major roles followed, including voicing Jedidiah in the animated hit Rango, starring in the WGN America series Outsiders, portraying Beta on AMC’s The Walking Dead, and appearing in the independent drama Out Come the Wolves.
With this body of work under his belt, Hurst is well-equipped to take on the role of Kratos in the live-action God of War.
Is Ryan Hurst the Right Fit to Lead Prime Video’s God of War?
Kratos is one of the most iconic characters in gaming history, so Hurst has big shoes to fill.
The brutal warrior, first introduced in 2005, has a tragic backstory that fuels his explosive rage and visceral combat, making God of War a defining franchise for Sony’s PlayStation.
For the live-action series, Prime Video, together with Sony Pictures Television, will adapt the Norse storyline from God of War (2018), focusing on Kratos’ relationship with his son, Atreus.
Having previously played Thor in God of War Ragnarök, Hurst already has solid footing to take on the role of Kratos in the live-action adaptation.
Evidently, he possesses the physical presence and acting chops to lead the show, coupled with a familiarity with the franchise’s tone and mythic world.
If truth be told, he brings a rare continuity between the game universe and its live-action counterpart, making him a strong and fitting choice to bring Kratos to life.
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