Emmerdale and Boots star confirmed for major villain role in God of War TV series

Hot on the heels of announcing titular protagonist Kratos alongside Thor’s wife Sif, Prime Video has revealed another major role for its upcoming God of War series with its latest casting news.

Deadline has confirmed that Emmerdale and Boots star Max Parker is the latest actor to join the cast of Prime Video’s upcoming God of War TV adaptation, alongside Ryan Hurst and Teresa Palmer.

Parker will be playing Heimdall Odinson, the Watchman of Asgard and one of Odin’s sons – a major antagonist in the Sony video game franchise who proves a key obstacle to Kratos and his son, Atreus.

Described as “handsome and dynamic” but “unappreciated by his father and underestimated by the rest of the family” the character is driven by a desire to earn the favour of his father and family, and, as a result, improve his position within the hierarchy of the famous Norse dynasty.

Although Heimdall does not feature in the 2018 God of War game, he plays a major role as the Herald of Ragnarök in the 2022 sequel God of War Ragnarök, as the father-and-son duo set out to end the reign of Odin, King of Asgard.

Fans who have yet to play the award-winning video games may recognise the character from Idris Elba’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this is a very different take on Heimdall, who is depicted as a far more detestable villain in the God of War franchise.

Following breakout roles in British soaps Casualty and Emmerdale, Parker has gone on to star as Mikhail Tanner in Peacock’s fantasy horror series Vampire Academy, as Sgt Sullivan in Netflix’s military comedy drama Boots, and as Manny in the fifteenth series of Doctor Who.

The upcoming TV adaptation from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios - which has already been renewed for a second season - will focus on the franchise’s Norse era.

With this latest casting announcement, it appears that the series will be integrating Heimdall much earlier in the story.

The series comes from Outlander and For All Mankind writer and producer Ronald D Moore, who is on board as writer, showrunner and executive producer. He is joined by Frederick EO Toye (Shōgun, The Boys), who will direct the first two episodes.

The live-action adaptation will centre on the relationship between Kratos and his 10-year-old son Atreus, as they embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye.

The synopsis teases a heartfelt and evolving dynamic throughout their adventure, as "Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human".

With casting announcements coming thick and fast, fans are undoubtedly waiting with bated breath to learn who will be playing Kratos's son Atreus. We’ll keep you updated as soon as the news breaks.

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