Dwayne Johnson might be one of the most famous actors in Hollywood today, but he sure has faced an ample amount of criticism for his acting. Often hailed as lacking the emotional gravitas in many of his performances, fans believe he is only better when it comes to his powerful physique and commanding presence.
Hence, when a fan-made trailer of God of War featuring the Rock as Kratos went viral, many in the comments expressed that they didn’t want the wrestler-actor to ruin the franchise.
God of War Live Action Needs Gravitas, Not Dwayne Johnson
God of War is an immensely popular action-adventure game franchise, featuring Kratos, a Spartan warrior. Throughout its nine installments, Kratos goes on to battle various mythological entities, in storylines based on the Greek and later Norse mythology. Known best for its action and adventure sequences, fans have been demanding a live-action film since a long time.
Recently a fan-made trailer of God of War live-action featuring Dwayne Johnson as Kratos went viral on YouTube. Although Johnson would nail the physical aspect of such a role given his past performances (Hercules), the character needs more than sheer physicality—he needs gravitas.
The character of the Spartan warrior, with his tragic past and complex emotional depth, demands a performance that resonates on a deeper level, similar to Henry Cavill‘s performance in Man of Steel. Cavill’s impeccable portrayal became famous not only because he embodied the heart and soul of a tortured hero, but also because he was a lesser-known actor with no precedent or image that got in the way of his Superman portrayal.
Needing fresh blood to honor Kratos’ story, origin, and journey, even fans exclaim the Rock is the last person they want to play the God of War.
Dwayne Johnson as Kratos is a Big No for Fans
Dwayne Johnson might have the physique and looks needed to play Kratos, but given his past performances and people’s perception of him, he would lack the ability to evoke the feel needed to bring Kratos to life. God of War is not just a video game, but an experience that needs to be brought to life the same way Henry Cavill brought Man of Steel to the big screen.
Needing immense emotional depth, gravitas, and solemnity, fans don’t want Johnson to possibly take on the role. After the fan-made trailer of God of War live-action went viral, this what many had to say in the comments:
Nobody wants The Rock to ruin this franchise. Thanks for trying though. -@ThatMikeKelly
Please tell me I’m still sleeping and just having one of my infamous nightmares. Anyone but The Pebble. -@They_Are_Watchinh_Us
CHRISTOPHER JUDGE ALL THE WAY. If he can play Kratos in 2 games that do motion capture, he can star as him. NOBODY wants the rock to take on the role of Kratos. -@rubeeverno9062
I’d rather see Millie Bobby Brown play Kratos than the Rock. Least she can act. -@jimdawg9299
If it did happen and they casted the rock, we ride at dawn. -@DaredevilX90
So while even fans agree the Rock is the last actor they would want to see as Kratos, maybe Hollywood should pay heed to the wants of fans before they potentially try to make a live-action God of War movie again. Furthermore, with a live-action Amazon Prime Video series in the works, we hope that the makers listen to the fan demands and cast a lesser-known actor, similar to how Henry Cavill ended up being the Man of Steel.
