Video games have influenced and beenadapted for the big screenand television. Major franchises have seen success, such as SEGA’sAlien: InvasionandSonic the Hedgehogor Nintendo’sPokémonandSuper Mario Bros.The hands-on control of the story draws players in with urgency. They are able to explore the world at their own volition, understanding its mechanics andsolving its problemsthrough trial and error. The vicarious entertainment of a game is similar to watching a film. Both experiences let the imagination run free and keep one’s attention from beginning to end. The only difference is the sense of direction and engagement, how passive and active the viewer or player has and feels.
Update August 13, 2025: This article has been updated with even more actors who could play Kratos in the upcomingGod of Warseries.
God of Warfollows a revisionist Greek mythology of the fierceSpartan warrior, Kratos. He was tricked into killing his family by his former master, the Greek God of War, Ares. Kratos avenges his family and kills Ares, taking on the mantle of the God of War. Throughout the series, Kratos hunts the other Olympian gods, bringing death and destruction wherever he goes. Now that the self-made godhas his own TV show in the works, only a select few can match his anger and bloodshed.
Vin Diesel
Vin Dieselis most known for action-packed franchises likeFast & FuriousandRiddick, and comfort in that genre could translate well to aGod of Warlive-action adaptation.God of Warwould also likely be a long-running franchise, so his tenure in the aforementioned ones shows that he can be in it for the long haul if need be. Diesel has a commanding presence, but most importantly, his look is iconic because of his smooth head.
Kratos' look is iconic similarly due to his baldness and commanding features. Vin Diesel is one of the most underrated and simultaneously famous actors in the world, so it would be interesting to see him play a character like Kratos.
Joe Manganiello
Joe Manganielloplayed a role in theMagic Mikefranchise, Deathstroke in the DCU pre-reboot, and is generally recognizable. One thing to note is his physique, which is undoubtedly one of the key components of making a live-action Kratos feel believable. His range in acting is also impressive, showing that he can channel whatever a director is asking of him.
Related:God of War: Why Prime Video Should Add the Greek Era
He can do comedy, he can do fantasy, and he can do thrillers. Finally, Joe simply has a huge following, and that is something a casting director might look at if they want the show to generate a lot of hype for the project.
Billy Zane
Billy Zaneplayed Caledon Hockley in the 1997 romance-disaster filmTitanic. Hockley is a man who bears a name that’s contemptible and a face in need of a punch. To round out his bad reputation, he chases down his (ex) fiancé, gun in hand, and later pretends to be a lost child’s father to access the ship’s lifeboats and save his own life. “By any means necessary” is the greedy man’s motto, a malevolence that favors the battle and brutality of a Greek god.
Gerard Butler
Gerard Butleris no stranger to action thrillers and fantasy dramas, as he is most famous for his role in 300. Butler has become a pop culture icon thanks to the role of the Spartan King and general, so it is easy to see why anyone could see him in the role of Kratos. It is almost to obvious a pick, but sometimes the obvious one is the right one.
Jason Momoa
Hawaiian beefcakeJason Momoahas played brooding and brutish figures. He was Khal Drago, the Genghis Khan-like leader of the nomadic Dothraki in the HBO fantasy seriesGame of Thrones. He was the underwater superhero Aquaman inJustice League, a role Momoa said was the closest he’s come to playing himself. Momoa could have the best of both worlds playing the God of War, particularly if rumors are true thatAquaman and the Lost Kingdomwill be his last time playing the role of Arthury Curry.
Vincent D’Onofrio
Vincent D’Onofriomight be recognized as Private Leonard “Gomer Pyle” Lawrence fromFull Metal Jacketor Edgar the Bug fromMen in Black. His portrayal ofcrime boss Wilson Fisk, alias Kingpin, in the Marvel television seriesDaredevilis ruthless and haunting. D’Onofrio has a hunger and growl in his voice that he can bring to the Kratos character.
Ron Perlman
On the older side, compared to the rest of our list,Ron Perlmanstill looks tremendous for his age. His most iconic role would probably have to be his portrayal of Hellboy, and his appearances as the titular character prove that he always had what it took to play someone like Kratos, even back then.
Related:Prime Videos' God of War Series: What We Hope to See In The Adaptation
In recent years, he has taken on roles in various genres, proving that he is more versatile an actor than most would believe at first. Perlman starred inDon’t Look Up’s ensemble cast, inNightmare Alley, a psychological thriller, and Peacock seriesPoker Face. Kratos is a self-healing demigod who can cheat death, so age should not matter all too much as long as the person playing him can get into shape and tap into his rage.
Arnold Vosloo
Arnold Voslooplayed the Egyptian high priest Imhotep in the 1999 remake of the 1932 classic Universal Monster filmThe Mummy. He has an affair with a pharaoh’s mistress, leading to his death by confinement in a sarcophagus filled with flesh-eating scarab beetles. If anyone had a reason for revenge, it would be Imhotep. Vosloo, in the role, has a do-or-die attitude and never compromises with his enemies. His belief in the afterlife to reunite with his lover earns him sympathy, but his manipulation of the dark arts makes him a villain that viewers love to hate.
Mark Strong
Mark Stronghas played antagonist in many films, includingKick-Ass, Sherlock Holmes,andShazam!Yet he has also played heroic roles in films likeKingsman: The Secret ServiceandCruella. Strong is an accomplished actor who deserves a big, leading role. He would certainly bring a level of emotional gravity to Kratos and it could launch him to a new leve of stardom.
Christopher Judge
Christopher Judgeis the voice actor of Kratos in theGod of Warvideo game series, and he is on a pursuit to also play the character in a live-action adaptation. He’s eventhrown lighthearted jabs in the way of Dave Bautistaand anyone else who dares to think about playing the character. This is something he wants to do badly, and it is not hard to see why. Judge has been Kratos for years and thus developed a connection to the War God. While having the same voice is a plus, Judge also has the size and look to play a live-action Kratos, so it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Liev Schreiber
Liev Schreiberhas a subtle, grizzled charm that speaks volumes. His role as Sabretooth inX-Men Origins: Wolverineshows off his animosity, while his role on the hit television series Ray Donovan shows he can play a calm, cool individual who is always in charge of the situation while also being able to get the job done at any cost. Schrieber is one of the best actors working today, and his casting as Kratos would make people sit up and take notice.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautistais no stranger to bringing brutality and strength to television and movie screens alike. He played Batista (his pro wrestling namesake) in the WWE from 2002 to 2019 before retiring. He is also well known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he plays Drax the Destroyer in several crossover films, but most importantly in theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy. The actor hasalluded to wanting to portray more nuanced roles,but that does not rule out Kratos in the slightest. There are layers to the character other than being a big & buff tough guy, and Bautista is someone who would display them all very well.
