Why Cristopher Judge Declined Kratos Role in 'God of War' Live-Action

Actor Christopher Judge, best known as the original voice of Kratos in the God of War games, revealed why he turned down the role in Prime Video’s live-action adaptation. According to him, the issue has to do with his age. 

He shared the details of the ordeal during a fan event at Fan Expo Canada. “"We had talked, and I thought, 'God, what a great legacy to leave for my grandson.' So I started working out. I got bigger,.  [via IGN].

“Then, just the reality of it....,” he continued. “Because I did read! I did read for it. It was so hard for me to memorize my lines, which I never had a problem with. And that was my mind and body starting to tell me, 'You don't want to do this.' I was one of the leads of Stargate at 33 to 44, and then stopped. Now, at 62, to be the lead, I just have no desire to live that way again."

Without him, the production’s first choice was actor Ryan Hurst (Saving Private Ryan and The Walking Dead). However, after suffering an injury on set, the actor had to be replaced by Dave Bautista.

Everything you need to know about God of War

Ronald D. Moore, known for hits like Battlestar Galactica, Outlander and For All Mankind, will serve as showrunner for the series, which will have at least two seasons to adapt God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök. The story focuses on Kratos and his son Atreus. 

The God of War series cast also includes Teresa Palmer as Sif, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, and Max Parker as Heimdall. Young actor Callum Vinson, known for The Night Agent, Crystal Lake, will play Atreus.

The God Of War franchise, which began its journey in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, follows the story of former Spartan warrior Kratos. Driven by vengeance against Ares, the God of War, Kratos faces supernatural challenges while trying to change his fate. After a trilogy of games set in Greece, the series moved to Norse mythology in 2018 with an older Kratos, now alongside his son Atreus, as they face a pantheon made up of Odin, Thor, and other gods.

Prime Video has not yet announced a premiere date.