Why Amazon’s God of War Must Keep Richard Schiff as Odin!

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This piece could reveal plot points from the God of War TV series, so if you haven’t experienced the video games yet, proceed with caution.

Summary

  • A God of War TV series with production hiccups finds a creative voice in Star Trek producer Donald Moore.
  • Recent game installments focused on emotional storytelling and Kratos’ relationship with son Atreus (Loki).
  • Actor Richard Schiff‘s portrayal of Odin adds nuance to the character, leading to potential for him to reprise his role.

A “God of War” TV show is being crafted for Amazon Prime Video, but its development has faced some challenges since it was initially announced. As far back as 2005, a film was planned, but this idea evolved into a television series over time. The production encountered difficulties when several scripts were discarded to pursue a fresh creative approach. However, Sony and Amazon eventually discovered their creative vision in the hands of “Star Trek” producer Donald Moore.

For the past couple of video game adventures – God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök (2022) – it’s been the frosty fjords of the Nordic realm where Kratos, the god of war himself, has been residing. Alongside his half-giant son, Atreus (also known as Loki), he’s wreaked havoc on the Norse pantheon, vanquishing yet another group of power-hungry madmen. These more recent titles have focused on a deeper emotional narrative for Kratos, delving into his grief over losing his wife, Faye, and the psychological impact of Odin’s cruelty across the nine realms. If future installments draw inspiration from these newer tales, it would be wise for the creators to keep Richard Schiff on board, given his substantial voice role in those games.

Stepping into the realm of Norse mythology as a movie reviewer, I’d say these two games – God of War and its sequel – are a captivating exploration of the complex bond between Kratos and Atreus, portrayed as father and son. Their journey is fueled by enigmatic clues left behind by Kratos’ wife, Faye, not only about her burial but also about the extinction of giants and the culprit behind this genocide.

The narrative builds up to a thrilling confrontation at the start of God of War: Ragnarök, where Kratos and Atreus face off against none other than Thor, a colossal, brutal force in this universe, designed solely for destruction. If Thor is the muscle, then Odin, the mastermind behind the scenes, makes an unexpected entrance, voiced by Schiff. The games’ grand antagonist, Odin adds depth and intrigue to the overarching narrative.

Odin Doesn’t Derive His Power From Physical Strength

In the beginning of “Ragnarök“, Santa Monica Studios made an insightful narrative choice by portraying Odin in a nuanced manner. Throughout the first game, the enigmatic figure of the Norse gods’ king was steeped in mystery and intrigue. Kratos’ ally Mimir depicted him as a ruthless deity: a cruel, merciless, and violent tyrant who ruled with terror. Therefore, it was somewhat unexpected to see an elderly, frail Odin in his initial screen appearance. This portrayal defied audience assumptions by offering a calm, eloquent negotiator instead of the feared monster that had been suggested.

In a similar vein to Kratos and Atreus, players witnessed the powerful emotional and mental grip that Odin had over Thor. This made Odin seem more formidable in the scene, as he could have easily been defeated by Thor at any point, yet it was clear that Thor feared Odin’s powers. Odin then proposed what seemed to be a genuine truce, but savvy players could see it as an attempt to sow discord between Kratos and himself. The All-Father faced his match in the steadfast and durable Kratos, which revealed to viewers that Odin often uses manipulation as a form of attack. As the story progressed, Odin was seen in various negotiations, influenced by shifting alliances and conflicts, with the ultimate goal of achieving total control.

In Norse mythology, the depiction of the gods, particularly Odin, carried a significant aspect. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans have often noted that Odin’s character lacked the cunning and trickster elements that are inherent to him in the lore. Anthony Hopkins wonderfully played a powerful, wise, and commanding leader, but this portrayal only provided a limited view of the All-Father’s complex personality. In the game ‘God of War’, Odin’s charisma and power-hungry traits are shown exceptionally well. It must be acknowledged that this interpretation deviates from traditional Norse mythology to align with the darker themes of the ‘God of War’ universe. However, it effectively captures essential aspects of Odin’s character: his insatiable curiosity, his unyielding nature in battle, his hunger for power, and his constant pursuit of a grand scheme.

Don’t Let Richard Schiff Out Of Your Sight

Richard Schiff’s exceptional acting skills make him an ideal choice for voicing Odin in the God of War series. He gained fame with his Emmy-winning performance as Toby Ziegler on The West Wing, where he served as the White House Communications Director, displaying intelligence and political acumen. Similar to Odin, who takes Atreus into his household and transitions from antagonist to mentor, Schiff’s character on The West Wing is also known for his ability to switch roles effectively. In God of War, Odin seeks to influence Atreus (Loki), warping his mind towards his objectives, and justifying the violent past of the Asgardians as necessary for a greater good.

In a skillful manner, Schiff adds depth to his role by gradually revealing Odin’s conflicting emotions – his growing paranoia and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. There was one area where Odin fell short in the games, and that was understanding the fate of gods upon their demise. This question haunts him throughout the narrative, as he stubbornly clings to the notion that gods don’t just vanish when they die. To uncover the mystery, Schiff expertly guides Atreus into his manipulative quest for truth. In doing so, Schiff breathes fresh life into the character of the All-Father, introducing a fascinating layer of complexity.

Given that Schiff has already made a strong mark on screen, it would be wise for Amazon not to miss out on having him reprise his role in their series. They’re likely evaluating several candidates for their show. Finn Wolfhard has shown interest in portraying Atreus, which could make him a suitable live-action counterpart to Sunny Suljic’s Atreus. However, given Suljic’s established acting career, there would be a solid case for keeping him in the role. When it comes to the TV adaptation of “God of War,” they might not need to search too extensively for their cast, as some actors from the video game, like Schiff, could already fit the bill perfectly.

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2025-03-21 15:37