Amazon delays 'God of War' series after lead actor injury and announces teen casting for Season 2
Production of Amazon's 'God of War' series has been halted while a new actor is sought for Kratos following a bicep injury, and casting calls have been issued for teenage versions of Atreus and Thrud for the second season.
Production on Amazon's adaptation of the video-game franchise "God of War" has been paused after lead actor Ryan Hurst suffered a severe bicep tear, prompting the studio to search for a replacement for the role of Kratos and delaying filming in Vancouver until at least October. The recasting effort adds to planned changes for the series' second season, where the show will introduce older actors for the characters Atreus and Thrud.
Casting notices released in May list a teenage version of "Joshua" – the codename used for Atreus – and a teenage version of "Ruth," the codename for Thor’s daughter Thrud. The calls seek performers aged 14 to 17, a shift from the 9-to-12 age range used for the younger portrayals in Season 1, which featured Callum Vinson and Island Austin as the child versions of the characters.
The description for the teenage Atreus character notes that he has grown up in isolation, embarked on a dangerous adventure with his father, and is now eager to discover his destiny, requiring comfort with physical combat and archery. The teenage Thrud description highlights her wisdom, confidence and sarcasm, a protective exterior that hides vulnerability, and also requires combat ability.
The series is expected to align each season with a specific game in the Nordic saga, with Season 2 set to begin the events of "Ragnarök" directly. The remainder of the confirmed Season 1 cast includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor and other actors portraying members of the Norse pantheon.
The production delays, combined with the need to reshoot four already-filmed episodes, may push the series' Prime Video premiere to a later date, potentially as far as 2028.