Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated God of War live-action series, in development since 2022, continues generating excitement with recent casting leaks for key Norse mythology characters. Industry insider Daniel Richtman reports Max Parker as Baldur and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, selections that align remarkably well with the characters’ portrayals in the acclaimed PlayStation games. These developments follow earlier leaks confirming the series adapts the Norse saga from God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, potentially sidelining the Greek trilogy to flashbacks.
Max Parker as Baldur: Lean, Lethal, and Physically Imposing
Baldur’s casting lands perfectly with English actor Max Parker, known for his role as Luke Posner in the British soap Emmerdale (2019-2021). Parker’s recent credits include Doctor Who, Vampire Academy, and Netflix’s Boots, showcasing his versatility across genres. His athletic build captures Baldur’s essence as Kratos’ relentless, invulnerable antagonist—dangerous not through brute size but relentless ferocity and supernatural resilience.
In the games, Baldur’s lithe frame belies his near-indestructible nature, making Parker’s physique ideal. The actor’s ability to convey intensity through physicality and emotional depth positions him perfectly for Baldur’s complex arc involving Norse gods, family betrayal, and mythological tragedy.
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor: Towering Norse Powerhouse
Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson brings commanding presence to Thor, fresh from his physically imposing role as Mr. Drummond in Apple TV+’s Severance. Ólafsson’s extensive Hollywood resume includes The Boss, The Elephant Queen, and Trapped, demonstrating his range from menacing antagonists to complex authority figures. His natural stature, muscular build, and signature beard mirror Thor’s appearance in God of War Ragnarök—a hulking, beer-swilling warrior god seeking vengeance against Kratos.
Ólafsson’s proven ability to embody threatening physicality while conveying emotional layers makes him ideal for Thor’s character evolution from antagonist to conflicted figure in the Norse saga’s climactic events.
God of War Series Context and Previous Leaks
The Amazon series builds on October 2025 casting calls using codenames that clearly referenced Norse saga characters, confirming adaptation of both modern God of War titles. Recent leaks also revealed a Kratos shortlist featuring Winston Duke, Joe Manganiello, Jason Momoa, and even Christopher Judge—the character’s motion capture and voice actor from the games.
Upcoming announcements likely include Atreus, Freyr, Odin, and Tyr casting, completing the ensemble for Santa Monica Studio’s Norse mythology adaptation. The series promises faithful representation of the games’ emotional depth, mythological scope, and father-son dynamics central to the narrative.
Why These Castings Excite God of War Fans
- Visual Accuracy: Both actors physically embody their game counterparts—Parker’s lean intensity matches Baldur’s relentless pursuit, while Ólafsson’s bulk captures Thor’s imposing presence.
- Acting Pedigree: Extensive television and film experience ensures emotional depth for complex mythological characters.
- Norse Authenticity: Ólafsson’s Icelandic heritage adds cultural authenticity to Thor’s portrayal.
- Genre Versatility: Proven fantasy/sci-fi credentials from Doctor Who, Severance, and mythological projects.
These casting choices signal Amazon’s commitment to visual fidelity and strong performances, building anticipation for a series that could rival The Last of Us in video game adaptations. As production continues, fans eagerly await official confirmations and first-look imagery bringing Kratos’ Norse saga to live-action glory.
