Prime Video’s God of War series that’s been picking up steam for weeks now has cast another major character. News broke this afternoon that Ólafur Darri Ólafsson has been cast as Thor in God of War. Ryan Hurst, who will play Kratos in the live-action series, previously voiced the character in live action. It’s important to note that Thor, along with other characters who have been cast, like Sif, are not present in the first God of War reboot game. They didn’t show up in larger roles until 2022’s God of War: Ragnarök, so this marks another departure from the source material.

The first major creative choice that split the fan base in two was the news that Prime Video’s God of War series will begin with the 2018 game and not the series of games set in Greece that were released between 2005 and 2010. Many modern fans are familiar with this more grizzled version of Kratos, who has faced off with Norse gods like Thor and Odin and even has a son. Kratos’ son, Atreus, has yet to be cast in the God of War series, but considering his large role, this is likely coming sooner rather than later.

Many long-time God of War fans remain hopeful that the show will pay homage to its Greek origins, be it flashbacks or mentions of Kratos’ checkered past. Prime Video’s God of War series already has a two-season order, and it’s a safe assumption that the first season will loosely adapt God of War (2018) and the second will adapt God of War: Ragnarök (2022). For All Mankind and Outlander writer Ronald D. Moore is writing God of War and Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun) is directing.

Who Is Thor in the ‘God of War’ Universe?

The Thor portrayed in the God of War franchise is much different than the shredded hammer-wielding hero portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the MCU. God of War’s Thor is a much more Norse-accurate portrayal of the God of Thunder in that he’s a heavy drinker who takes out his anger on those who are weaker than him, which is just about everyone. He has an eternal feud with Heimdall, who will be played by Max Parker in the show, and he’s a serious problem for Kratos. He even kills Kratos before bringing him back to life in a fight. God of War‘s Thor is over seven feet tall, making Ólafsson the perfect choice to play him in live-action.

via Collider