Christopher Judge explains why he backed out of playing Kratos in God of War live action

Christopher Judge reveals why he backed out of playing Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War live-action series

Christopher Judge has revealed that he began training to play Kratos in Prime Video’s live-action God of War series before deciding against taking the lead role.

Christopher Judge started physically preparing to play Kratos in Prime Video’s live-action God of War series before ultimately deciding that the demands of the role were not right for him at 62.

Speaking at Fan Expo Canada, Judge said he had discussed the role during the project’s early development and began working out and memorising lines in preparation for the part.

"We had talked, and I thought, 'God, what a great legacy to leave for my grandson.' So I started working out. I got bigger,” he said.

Judge also revealed that memorising his lines became unexpectedly difficult, which he interpreted as a sign that he did not want to take on the demands associated with leading the series.

“Then, just the reality of it... because I did read! I did read for it. It was so hard for me to memorize my lines, which I never had a problem with. And that was my mind and body starting to tell me, 'You don't want to do this.' I was one of the leads of Stargate at 33 to 44, and then stopped. Now, at 62, to be the lead, I just have no desire to live that way again."

Judge previously explained that the physical requirements and lengthy working days were among the reasons he did not want the role.

“I didn't want to do it," he said. “I didn't want to, at 62 years old, work 16-to-18-hour days. I didn't want to be dieting constantly; I didn't want to be working out constantly."

Dave Bautista has since been cast as Kratos after Ryan Hurst, who was initially chosen for the role, suffered a torn bicep while filming a stunt. Judge said he believes Bautista can be successful as Kratos.

Prime Video’s God of War series is based on the 2018 game and has previously drawn criticism from Judge over its lack of involvement from the game’s writers.