After years of mounting anticipation, Prime Video has finally confirmed that veteran actor Ryan Hurst will step into the iconic role of Kratos for the upcoming God of War live-action series.
While the casting has sparked excitement throughout the gaming community, some fans are less familiar with Hurst’s versatile filmography and are curious to see if he can capture the Ghost of Sparta’s intensity. To help you get up to speed, we’ve put together a guide to Ryan Hurst’s most essential movies and TV shows to watch before he takes up the Leviathan Axe.
Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans follows Herman Boone, who is hired as the T.C. Williams High football coach over a white coach in Alexandria, Virginia, in the early 1970s, during a time when the school had just been integrated to allow Black students.
This marked Hurst’s breakout performance. As Gerry Bertier, the undisputed "heart and soul" of the film, Hurst delivers a powerhouse turn that resonates long after the credits roll. Even while sharing the screen with a titan like Denzel Washington, he commands attention, carving out a performance that is both deeply moving and unforgettable.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+, Hulu
We Were Soldiers
We Were Soldiers follows the story of the first major battle of the American phase of the Vietnam War, and the soldiers on both sides that fought it, while their wives wait nervously and anxiously at home for the good news or the bad news.
Hurst shines as Sgt. Ernie Savage, anchoring the film’s frontline intensity with a powerhouse supporting turn. His authoritative performance and unforgettable scenes are central to the movie's raw depiction of the Vietnam War.
Where You Can Stream: Paramount+
The Ladykillers
The Ladykillers follows an eccentric, if not charming, Southern professor and his crew, who pose as a classical ensemble to rob a casino, all under the nose of his unsuspecting but sharp old landlady.
While often cited as a lesser entry in the Coen brothers' filmography, The Ladykillers is salvaged by standout comedic turns, most notably Ryan Hurst as Lump Hudson. Playing a former football player with more brawn than brain, Hurst’s deadpan delivery and physical comedy provide the film’s most consistent laughs.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Sons of Anarchy
The hit drama series Sons of Anarchy follows a biker who struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.
This catapulted Hurst to a new level of acclaim through his scene-stealing turn as Opie Winston. Hurst’s ability to convey profound grief and quiet strength made him the emotional heartbeat of the series, earning him a permanent place in the hearts of fans, particularly following his heroically tragic departure from the show.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu
The Walking Dead
Joining a hit series in its ninth season is no small feat, yet Hurst integrated himself seamlessly into The Walking Dead as the formidable Beta. After becoming a series regular in Season 10, he evolved into one of the show’s primary antagonists and a central driving force of the narrative.
Despite the show’s long history, Hurst’s commanding performance captivated the "loyalist" fanbase, proving his ability to revitalize a long-running story.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Keep it locked on EpicStream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!