Prime Video’s ‘God of War’ series begins filming, reveals first image

Amazon Unveils First Look at Live-Action God of War Series as Production Begins

Amazon Prime Video on Thursday released the first official image from its live-action God of War television series, confirming that production is now underway in Vancouver. The image shows Ryan Hurst as the Spartan warrior Kratos and Callum Vinson as his young son Atreus in a forest hunting scene that closely mirrors the opening of the 2018 PlayStation video game.

“Father and Son. Behold your first look at Kratos and Atreus in the God of War series now in production,” read the announcement posted on the show’s official social media accounts. “Their journey to the highest peak begins.”elespanol

A Long Road to Production

The series, which has already secured a two-season order from Amazon, adapts the Norse mythology saga from Sony’s recent God of War games, following Kratos and Atreus as they journey to scatter the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Showrunner Ronald D. Moore, known for Battlestar Galactica and Outlander, leads the creative effort, with Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye helming the first two episodes.ign

The path to production has been turbulent. First announced in 2022, the project underwent a creative overhaul after original showrunner Rafe Judkins departed in late 2024. Moore took over shortly after, and casting accelerated in early 2026 with Hurst announced in the lead role in January. Hurst is no stranger to the franchise, having voiced Thor in the 2022 video game sequel God of War Ragnarök, earning a BAFTA nomination for the performance. Vinson, whose credits include Chucky, Poker Face, and Long Bright River, was cast as Atreus in early February. The ensemble also features Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Ed Skrein as the antagonist Baldur, and Alastair Duncan reprising his video game role as Mimir.deadline

Mixed Fan Reactions

While the production announcement marked a milestone for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, the first image drew a divided response online. Multiple fans on social media compared the image to cosplay or suggested it appeared AI-generated. “I hope this is AI because it looks awful,” one user wrote on X, while another added, “I’m shocked; I thought this was fake”. Criticism focused on Hurst’s leaner build compared to the hulking video game Kratos, with one commenter noting, “The casting is perfect, but this picture? Not so much. He needs to bulk up!” Kotaku described the image as resembling “a pre-taped SNL skit”.reddit

Others urged patience, noting the image may be a set photo rather than a polished production still. “With the use of a cinematic camera and some color grading, it could really shine,” one Reddit user wrote. The series, co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios alongside PlayStation Productions, is expected to premiere on Prime Video in 2027.sffgazette