God of War fans are on the fence about an animated adaptation that would follow the same path as classic Disney animated films.

God of War is arguably one of the most popular video game franchises in gaming history. Sony Interactive Entertainment struck gold with the game developers of Santa Monica Studio and spent the last few years exclusively working to expand the franchise. The gaming community always envisioned seeing the Ghost of Sparta in a less interactive media like a full feature-length film or even an animated adaptation; however, there are some caveats.

An animated version of God of War could be a risky endeavor. Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio

Most animated films are mainly targeted at the younger audience; however, most filmmakers compromised the film’s tone like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to appeal to young and mature viewers. The developers of Santa Monica Studio could do the same technique but it will severely strain the game’s narrative.

An Animated God of War Movie Wouldn’t Do the Source Material Justice

The God of War franchise is renowned for its epic storytelling and focus on mythology. The original trilogy was set during the early days of Kratos in his blind quest for vengeance against the Olympian Gods who wronged him and forced him to do their bidding. Kratos single-handedly destroyed the Greek pantheon and killed without mercy leading to the destruction of his homeland.

The game developers will have a field day thinking of methods to cleverly reduce or remove the violence and gore altogether if the franchise is adapted into an animated film. Disney had a stronghold of making great animated films in the past and the gaming community is not fond of reducing Kratos to that degree and is convinced this path will harm the franchise.

Perhaps not every franchise is suited for an animated adaptation. Kratos had a bloody past, and to see that in full glory in an animated film may not sit well with parents or guardians. The original God of War trilogy was more aggressive and brutal which can be a little intense for younger audiences and mature viewers will likely complain about the lack of action and bloodshed.

The retired God has changed since his rampage on his homeland as he stumbled to Northern Scandinavia and was given a second chance of becoming a husband. Although his second marriage was short-lived, Kratos became the father Atreus needed and was the perfect tool to encourage him to change. The Asgardian Gods, Berserkers, Valkyries, and every other enemy the father-son duo faced were fortunate to face this much calmer, mature, and tamed version of the God of War.

Blood and gore is a trademark of the God of War franchise and toning it down could have serious repercussions. The animated film will not have the same emotional weight and vigor the gaming franchise is known for.

The gaming community has always wanted to see this franchise receive the adaptation it deserves but animation is not it. The story will be significantly altered, and the franchise was renowned for its violence. Original creator David Jaffe envisioned the players to take control of a monster, and this was heavily reflected in the combat and Kratos’ brutal murder of each single God in the final installment of the original trilogy.

The Gaming Community Fears That Kratos Will Be Like Every Other Animated Disney Character

Perhaps the developers can adapt the game into a different form of animation instead. Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio

The Norse Saga has shown that the character has grown and evolved immensely since his previous outing as the God of War and decided to use his godly powers and gifts for the betterment of the Nine Realms. Kratos was always viewed as an anti-hero capable of great violence and was reluctant to do anything unless it served his cause.

Kratos is still the same god deep down; however, he has mellowed since and is no longer willing to kill. Perhaps this older and mature version of the character will be better suited for animated adaptation, unlike his younger self who was hellbent to destroy and kill everything in his path to get what he wanted. The franchise raised a few eyebrows in the earlier days because it allowed players to inflict their will without thinking of the repercussions which are not ideal themes for an animated film.

The original trilogy was bathed in blood in the most literal and figurative sense. It is possible for an animated adaptation to capture the core; however, it will dissuade younger audience members from seeing the film unless they can tone down the violence and gore.

Santa Monica Studio built this franchise with blood and Kratos relished his every kill highlighting his godly strength and superiority. Perhaps the game developers can produce a full animated film using similar performance capture techniques for an animated project. The showrunners of the live-action adaptation of the Norse Saga on Amazon Prime Video will also face similar challenges throughout production.

Would you like an animated God of War film in the same vein as Disney classics? Let us know in the comments section below!