It's the golden era of films and television shows based on games, it seems, with The Last of Us, The Witcher, and Resident Evil immediately springing to mind – but there's one thing about such adaptations that bothers many.
One of those many is none other than God of War actor Christopher Judge, who voices protagonist Kratos, and that one thing is simple: TV adaptations tend to, well, not employ the folks responsible for their conception… those who helped work on the games they're based on.
The actor explains as much during a recent Fan Expo panel (which you can now view via Reddit) – and honestly? Yeah, it checks out.
"My problem with all game adaptations," Judge says, " [is] you have this pre-existing, successful property… and the first thing you do is not hire anyone associated with it."
He then points to The Last of Us TV show as an example. "The Last of Us – loved Pedro [Pascal] – were they better than the game cast? I saw a stage reading they did. It was unreal."
That makes sense. Pascal absolutely killed it, but Troy Baker undeniably would've, too.
Christopher Judge says game adaptions keep making the mistake of not involving the people who helped create the gamefrom r/GodofWar
Judge continues, asserting that he's not sure why television series and filmmakers choose to opt out of casting video game actors and writers: "I have no idea why you don't just take that cast, those writers, especially when you're gonna do episodes that are shot-for-shot remakes of the game."
He goes on to bring up the God of War TV show – an in-progress adaptation coming from Amazon… with, erm, none of the game series' own talent, really.
Sure, there's Alastair Duncan as Mimir, but none of the writers – you know, the people responsible for the world.
"When Amazon['s show] was finally approved and announced, and they didn't hire any of the God of War writers," recalls Judge, "What are you thinking? These guys have been immersed in this world for 20 years, but someone's gonna know better?" He cites the games' sales here as well.
The actor concludes, "You can't tell these writers how to tell stories" – a statement I'd say is largely indisputable. Commenters seem to agree with Judge, too, with the top one reading, "Someone FINALLY said it." So, take notes, producers. Take notes.
