‘God of War’ Live-Action Series Casts Its Baldur

Prime Video has officially cast the villain for its upcoming live-action adaptation of the hit video game “God of War.” Ed Skrein will play Baldur, the son of Odin and the main antagonist from the 2018 game, according to a press release.

Baldur is described as Odin’s youngest son and “his father’s most dangerous weapon.” He is charismatic, unpredictable, and bound by his own rules. As a child, he was cursed to feel no physical sensations or pleasure. “Above all else, he longs for an opponent that can truly match his prowess in battle. An opponent that can finally make him feel something,” the press release stated.

Skrein, known for roles in Jurassic World: Rebellion, Deadpool, and Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, joins a strong ensemble cast that includes Ryan Hurst as Kratos, Callum Vinson as Atreus, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri, Danny Woodburn as Brok, and Mandy Patinkin as Odin.

The live-action series is based on the 2018 PlayStation game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Both the game and the show follow Kratos and his son Atreus on a dangerous journey after the death of Atreus’ mother, testing their bond while facing Norse gods and mythical creatures. The game has sold more than 23 million units worldwide and is widely considered one of the best video games ever made.

Prime Video has already ordered two seasons of the series, with pre-production underway in Vancouver. Ronald D. Moore will serve as showrunner, executive producer, and writer, while Emmy-winning director Frederick E.O. Toye will direct the first two episodes.

Other executive producers include Maril Davis, Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee, and Brad Van Arragon, with co-executive producers Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotis, and Ben McGinnis. The series is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions.

Casting Ed Skrein as Baldur is a bold choice, and with such a talented ensemble and creative team, the series has the potential to bring the epic world of God of War to life for fans and newcomers alike. What do you think about this casting and the live-action adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comments.