By Jon Scarr
Deadline is reporting that Prime Video’s live-action God of War series has brought in a big name behind the camera. Frederick E.O. Toye, known for his work on Shogun and The Boys, has signed on to direct the first two episodes. Toye also joins Ronald D. Moore, who serves as the series’ showrunner, writer and executive producer.
Pre-production is already underway in Vancouver and casting has officially begun. Prime Video has given the series a two-season order, which signals a strong commitment to the project. According to the report, the show moved forward quickly last fall when Moore stepped in as showrunner and helped overhaul the creative direction. Prime Video then doubled the order to two seasons earlier this year, which is common for large-scale productions that require extensive world-building, sets, costumes and props.
The series is based on PlayStation’s popular God of War franchise. It follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they begin their journey to spread the ashes of Faye, the wife and mother they lost. Their path is full of danger and emotional weight, with Kratos trying to guide Atreus toward becoming a better god, while Atreus pushes his father to understand humanity in a deeper way. Casting is now underway for both roles.
God of War is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with PlayStation Productions. Moore’s Tall Ship Productions is also involved through his overall deal with Sony TV. The list of executive producers includes Maril Davis, Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee and Brad Van Arragon. Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia, Ben McGinnis and Jeff Ketcham are all set as co-executive producers.
Toye brings a long history of high-profile TV credits to the project. He won an Emmy for directing the “Crimson Sky” episode of Shogun and has directed more than 130 hours of television. He has worked closely with Prime Video in recent years, directing episodes of Fallout, The Boys and The Terminal List. He recently wrapped the opening episodes for Terminal List: Dark Wolf and Bloodaxe, which are upcoming Prime Video series. His past credits also include Lost, Person of Interest, American Gods, The Walking Dead, See, Lost in Space, Westworld, Watchmen and Snowpiercer.
It looks like Amazon is putting major resources behind God of War. With Toye and Moore leading the adaptation, the project is shaping up to be one of Prime Video’s biggest upcoming shows. We’ll keep following the production as it moves through casting and into filming.