Prime Video has released the first official image of Ryan Hurst as the brooding Spartan warrior Kratos and young actor Callum Vinson as his son Atreus, marking the start of production on its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Sony's blockbuster "God of War" video game franchise.

God Of War
God Of War

The photo, shared Feb. 27, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television, shows the father-son duo in costume against a rugged, snowy backdrop, evoking the Norse mythology setting of the 2018 game and its sequel. Hurst, known for roles in "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Walking Dead," appears as the ash-covered, battle-scarred Kratos, complete with his signature red tattoo and imposing physique. Vinson, who has appeared in series like "Chucky," "Long Bright River" and "Poker Face," portrays a youthful Atreus, standing slightly ahead with a determined expression.

The image is accompanied by the caption: "Father and Son. Behold your first look at Kratos and Atreus in the God of War series now in production for Prime Video. Their journey to the highest peak begins."

Production is underway in Vancouver, Canada, on the series, which has already secured a two-season order. Ronald D. Moore, the acclaimed showrunner behind "Battlestar Galactica" and "Outlander," serves as writer, executive producer and showrunner under his Tall Ship Productions banner. Frederick E.O. Toye, an Emmy-winning director whose credits include "Shōgun," "The Boys" and "Fallout," is helming the first two episodes.

The adaptation draws primarily from the 2018 "God of War" game and its 2022 sequel "Ragnarök," following Kratos and Atreus on a poignant quest to scatter the ashes of Kratos' late wife and Atreus' mother, Faye, from the highest peak in the realms. Their journey unfolds amid a harsh Norse world filled with gods, monsters and family revelations, shifting from the Greek mythology of earlier games to a more introspective father-son narrative.

The full cast features a mix of established stars and character actors. Mandy Patinkin portrays the cunning Allfather Odin, while Ed Skrein takes on the vengeful god Baldur. Max Parker plays Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson embodies the thunder god Thor, and Teresa Palmer appears as Sif. Alastair Duncan voices and portrays the severed head Mimir, with Danny Woodburn as the gruff dwarf Brok and Jeff Gulka as his brother Sindri.

The project is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions. Executive producers include Moore, Maril Davis of Tall Ship, original game director Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee and Brad Van Arragon. Co-executive producers are Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia and Ben McGinnis.

Fan reactions to the first-look image have been mixed since its release early Feb. 27. Some praised the fidelity to the game's aesthetic, noting Hurst's transformation into the stoic anti-hero and the accurate costuming details like Kratos' Leviathan Axe (though not visible in the initial photo). Others expressed reservations, with online commentary describing the shot as "strange" or "off," citing the angle, lighting or youthful portrayal of Atreus compared to the teenage version in the games. Social media discussions on platforms like Instagram, Reddit and X highlighted both excitement for the ambitious adaptation and caution after previous video game-to-screen efforts.

The "God of War" franchise, developed by Santa Monica Studio, has sold tens of millions of copies and earned widespread acclaim for its storytelling, combat and emotional depth. The 2018 reboot shifted the series to a more mature, cinematic style, earning Game of the Year honors and setting high expectations for any live-action version.

Amazon's push into video game adaptations follows successes like "Fallout" and ongoing projects tied to other properties. The streamer aims to capture the game's blend of visceral action, mythological spectacle and heartfelt drama, with Moore's involvement signaling a focus on character-driven narrative over pure spectacle.

No release date has been announced for the series, but with production just beginning in early 2026, a premiere is unlikely before late 2027 at the earliest, depending on post-production timelines and episode count. The two-season commitment suggests confidence in covering the Norse saga arc comprehensively.

As filming progresses, additional images, trailers and casting details are expected to fuel anticipation among the dedicated fanbase. For now, the first look offers a tangible glimpse into bringing one of gaming's most iconic duos to the small screen.