Amazon’s God of War Series Can Take Inspiration From The Older Games In One Interesting Way

Amazon's God of War Series Can Take Inspiration From The Older Games In One Interesting Way

As a long-time fan of the God of War franchise, I’m more than excited about Amazon’s upcoming series. The journey Kratos and his son Atreus embarked on in the 2018 game was not only an epic adventure but also a touching tale of father-son bonding, which is something that resonates deeply with me as a parent myself.


The acclaimed video game series, God of War, is making its way to television screens. With the franchise consistently ranking among the top in the gaming world, it was only a matter of time before we saw an adaptation. As the quality of video game adaptations improves and the cultural clout of the gaming industry grows, shows based on games like Fallout and The Last of Us have proven that they can hold their own. Now that these successful examples have shown us that not all video game shows are poor quality, a series based on God of War is poised to receive positive attention. The upcoming show is expected to focus on the modern, bearded, stoic father figure Kratos, though it would lack depth without also incorporating the character’s past as the angry, bitter, brooding maniac Kratos.

Sony is putting considerable effort into transforming their popular video game franchises into movies and other media. These adaptations can be found on various streaming platforms, bringing the stories of many iconic Sony intellectual properties to life. For instance, they cast Tom Holland in “Uncharted” and Anthony Mackie in “Twisted Metal”. The highly anticipated “Ghost of Tsushima” movie, directed by the creator of “John Wick”, is also on its way to the big screen. While not all adaptations have been box office hits, Sony seems determined to explore various avenues for their beloved characters.

Amazon is making a God of War series

2022 saw Amazon Prime Video securing rights for a series adaptation of God of War, but so far, there’s no release date and the crew remains mostly undetermined. The production history has been turbulent thus far. In 2022, Amazon brought on executive producers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby along with showrunner Rafe Judkins for the project. Fergus and Ostby are renowned screenwriters, famously penning the 2006 hit Children of Men and a significant portion of Iron Man. They also created and produced The Expanse for Amazon Prime. Judkins honed his skills on Chuck and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., before moving on to develop, write, and produce The Wheel of Time for Amazon Prime. However, in October 2024, Fergus, Ostby, and Judkins all parted ways from the project despite having written numerous scripts. A week later, Ronald D. Moore assumed the showrunner role vacated by Judkins. Moore has previously worked on three Star Trek series, created Outlander, and most recently developed Apple TV’s For All Mankind. This change suggests that the work done on the show over the last two years will likely be discarded, leaving the production to start anew with an uncertain future.

The God of War show will adapt the recent games

Amazon's God of War Series Can Take Inspiration From The Older Games In One Interesting Way

While the information about the forthcoming God of War series is limited, the most frequently mentioned aspect is its intriguing concept, which is a common topic in discussions surrounding it. As reported by Amazon, this pitch for the show is as follows:

After his wife passes away, Kratos embarks on a perilous trip alongside his distant child Atreus, with the intention of scattering her ashes from the summit—a request left by his wife before she died. Kratos soon discovers that this journey is a grand adventure in disguise; one that will challenge the relationship between father and son, compel Kratos to confront fresh deities and creatures for the destiny of the world.

In 2018, the storyline presented in “God of War” undergoes a live-action adaptation, focusing on the reboot of the franchise rather than the initial PS2 series. The narrative reveals Kratos, who has distanced himself from his gory past in ancient Greece. The first three installments were revolutionary when they debuted, but the latest two are often praised for their exceptional contributions to the interactive storytelling realm. However, it would be misleading not to incorporate some aspects of the original series for those new to the revamped franchise.

The God of War series can explore the first games through flashbacks

Amazon's God of War Series Can Take Inspiration From The Older Games In One Interesting Way

One intriguing aspect of the 2018 game God of War is the significant transformation undergone by Kratos since the early games. He’s become a changed man, being more reserved, stoic, and struggling with deep emotions. Despite his desire to connect with his son and grieve for his wife, he finds it challenging due to his emotional limitations. The original Kratos was less concerned with imparting wisdom, and the only emotion he frequently expressed was unbridled rage. The vast difference between these two iterations of Kratos is a crucial plot element. Those who’ve encountered the updated version without experiencing the originals are getting only half the story. This is where flashbacks play a role. Visualize the actor playing the modern Kratos transitioning into the original character version. Imagine an episode that explains why Kratos had to abandon his previous life. While people may know the story, the show must stand independently. Adapting a sequel set far away without providing adequate setup can feel disjointed. The series needs to take the necessary steps to bridge those gaps.

Kratos stands out as an intriguing character due to his longevity in video games and the evolution he undergoes across different stories. Unlike characters such as Sonic and Mario, who might be older than Kratos, their new adventures often involve a complete overhaul. The God of War series offers a comprehensive portrayal of its protagonist, delving into most significant moments in his life. Amazon’s adaptation aims to replicate this immersive experience for fans.

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2024-11-06 00:04