After multiple delays since the announcement, the live-action ‘God of War’ is finally gearing up for production as the first season's complete filming schedule is officially revealed. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, the series was first announced in 2022, even before the release of the video game God of War: Ragnarök.
As per the production schedule, the first season of Amazon's ‘God of War’ TV Series will begin filming on March 02, 2026, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The 10-episode first season will take more than one year to wrap up filming on April 07, 2027. The plan is to shoot seasons 1 and 2 back-to-back; however, the second season shooting dates are yet to be revealed. The series was first announced in March 2022, so it's been exactly taking four years to kick off production finally.
Going with the filming dates, it is hard for the show to release before the end of 2027. As we have seen in the video games, the show is likely to be very heavy on CGI and graphics, which may lead to an even bigger post-production duration. So, it is safe to assume that ‘God of War’ Season 1 will release sometime in 2028.
At the time of announcement, The Expanse creators/executive producers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby and The Wheel of Time executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins were attached to the show, but they exited in October 2024, following which Ronald D. Moore took over as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. The cast of the series is yet to be revealed.
Based on the massively popular 2018 video game, the show follows Kratos, the God of War, who has exiled himself from his violent past in ancient Greece and has decided to lay down his weapons for good in the Norse realm of Midgard. After the death of his beloved wife, Kratos embarks on a perilous journey with his estranged son, Atreus, to fulfill her final wish: to spread her ashes from the highest peak. However, Kratos soon realizes that this journey is more than just a simple mission; it is an epic quest that will test the bonds between father and son and force Kratos to confront new gods and monsters as he fights for the fate of the world.
Anaheim Realm
The show is filming with WT, Anaheim Realm, which refers to Vanaheim, one of the Nine Realms of the World Tree and the home of the Vanir Gods. Ruled by the wise and powerful Njörd, this realm is home to the Vanir tribe of deities. The Vanir are generally associated with fertility and what we now refer to as “nature,” in contrast to the Aesir, the other tribe of Norse deities, who reside in Asgard.
In the 2018 video game, Odin has sealed the path to Vanaheim, rendering the realm inaccessible within the game. Despite this, Vanaheim is referenced multiple times, hinting at its mysterious allure. Freya's house possesses a unique magical window that provides a breathtaking view of this enchanted realm. Through the glass, players can glimpse a sprawling forest teeming with towering, leafless trees that stand like ancient sentinels. Vibrant flowers burst forth from the rich, fertile soil, adding splashes of color to the scene, while the sky above is painted in warm hues of autumn, creating an atmosphere that is both hauntingly beautiful and serene.
In God of War: Ragnarok, Vanaheim is unlocked when Freya, desperate to break the chains of Odin's curse binding her to Midgard, turns to Kratos for assistance. This results in an unexpected and uneasy alliance between the two powerful deities. Freya struggles to suppress her thirst for vengeance against the one who took her son, forcing her to set aside her deep-seated desires for the time being. As Kratos journeys into Vanaheim for the first time, he is accompanied by Freya, the wise head of Mimir, and the skilled blacksmith Brok. Upon arrival, they find the once-thriving Vanir realm shrouded in an eerie stillness, appearing almost lifeless. The vibrant jungle that surrounds them is teeming with danger, as even the wildlife seems hostile and unpredictable. As they push deeper into the lush greenery, battling through treacherous terrain and ferocious creatures, they eventually encounter a group of Vanir fighters. Leading them is Freyr himself, a prominent figure within the Vanir, reflecting both strength and a glimmer of hope amid the chaos that has engulfed his homeland.
God of War Video Game
The God of War franchise, developed by Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, consists of seven games across four PlayStation consoles. The series began in 2005 with the release of the original God of War on the PlayStation 2. The story revolves around Kratos, a former Spartan warrior, who embarks on a dangerous quest to seek revenge against Ares, the Greek God of War. Ares manipulates Kratos into killing his loved ones, and driven by rage, Kratos ultimately becomes the God of War himself. Throughout his journey, he seeks opportunities to change his fate.
Following multiple releases on different PlayStation systems, including the PS3 and the portable PSP, Santa Monica Studio breathed new life into the brand with the 2018 PlayStation 4 release. Kratos travels to the Norse wilds, where he has a second shot at parenting with his son, Atreus. The game received a spate of awards at the 2018 Game Awards, including Game of the Year. The eighth God of War installment, God of War: Ragnarok, was published in November 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, followed by Microsoft Windows.
This action-adventure game immerses players in a rich narrative that explores themes of redemption, fatherhood, grief, and personal growth. We step into the formidable yet vulnerable shoes of Kratos, the once-mighty God of War, who grapples with his tumultuous past as he seeks a fresh start. After finding a semblance of peace in a new home, his world comes crashing down once again with the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife.
In the wake of this tragedy, Kratos embarks on a journey of transformation, learning to navigate the challenges of single fatherhood. With a heavy heart but a fierce determination, he strives to forge a meaningful bond with his young son, who looks to him for guidance and strength. Together, they face perilous adventures and adversities that test their resilience and deepen their connection.
The game’s richly constructed setting provides an ideal canvas to explore the complexities of their character arcs, allowing players to witness Kratos's struggle to reconcile his violent history with his newfound role as a protector and mentor. Along the way, secondary characters are introduced, each adding layers of humor and relief to the poignant storyline, enhancing the emotional depth of this enthralling journey.
God of War captivates players with its rich and compelling storytelling, drawing them into a world filled with intricate character development and profound emotional depth. The gameplay is not only immersive but also finely crafted, allowing players to engage in dynamic combat and explore breathtaking environments that are visually stunning. This combination of narrative excellence and artistic visuals elevates God of War to the status of a modern gaming masterpiece, providing a wellspring of inspiration for writers and creatives alike.