Big changes in the God of War series occurred with the release of God of War (2018), and the change of voice actors for Kratos could be seen as another one of the big changes.
Before Christopher Judge took over, TC Carson was the voice behind the character for every game released in the franchise.
Carson left abruptly and his decision was unexpected and fans wanted him to explain why he was leaving. In this post, let’s analyze Carson’s words pointing at the fact that he wasn’t to be called back anymore, some ideas of the franchise’s development, and how this change influenced the representation of Kratos.
TC Carson’s Departure and the Shift to Christopher Judge
During an interview, TC Carson stated that he left the job not by his free will. Carson said that, when the franchise went in a new direction creatively, the developers wanted to work with an actor who could not only voice but also perform as Kratos.
Since 2018’s God of War had greater physical interest in dramatic sequences, Santa Monica Studio hired higher higher-octane performer with impressive practical stomping and acting talents in Christopher Judge as the older Kratos, who is more philosophical.
Carson seems to acknowledge it but he is not happy, as he said he was not informed that he is to be replaced on the project. Saying that was bitter-sweet for him since he transitioned out from being solely focused on the role and had become very inclined with the character Kratos.
The Decision for Motion Capture and Its Impact on Casting
Why Motion Capture Was Necessary
The 2018 reboot was to attempt the portrayal of an accurate representation of Kratos’ character with an emotional layering. To borrow a phrase inside Hollywood, the developers required an actor who could integrate both physical performance capture, as well as a voice performance, which was not required in earlier sequels that were less film-orientated.
Christopher Judge’s Role in Bringing Kratos to Life
The judge who has portrayed Teal’c in ‘Stargate SG-1’ nicely rounded Kratos up with a serious undertone which the game’s story delivers exceedingly. His voice and physicality brought the necessary embodiment of the tired but driven hero that Kratos needed to embody shift changes in his new life, fatherhood included.
TC Carson’s Reaction and Thoughts on His Successor
Carson then said that he enjoyed Judge’s work but said that he should have been allowed to join the show and audition. Still, he continues to respect the franchise, as well as the character due to the use of services by the man, who worked on the project for years.
Fan Reactions and the Legacy of Carson’s Kratos
Though there are micro-fans who had difficulty with Carson’s portrayal of Kratos, both Carson’s and Judge’s performances are highly regarded needed someone whose voice would suit the earlier games, and Carson gave such a fierce delivery that the fans of the old God of War games loved Kratos. The alteration was a response to developing the character to being more intricate than just a man in sheer anger and so was in tune with how Santa Monica Studio wanted to take the character in.
Initial Fan Backlash
AManyfans bemoaned the absence of Carson’s voice which was synonymous with Kratos’ rage-filled, unstoppable god of war in previous games. For most people, this alteration marked the maturing of Kratos as a character and the game series as a whole.
Recognition of Judge’s Performance
The audience was also reluctant at first, but people realized that Judge did a great job and he opened a new dimension in the character. The reboot brought in a more layered version which appealed to the audience; emerging as a character that fits the qualities of redemption, responsibilities, and being a father.
Carson’s Continued Role in Gaming and Voice Acting
Carson has kept himself busy and still voices in different games and animated shows. As far as Kratos is concerned, his character lives on, having an impact on new actors who replace the old voice behind the persona, as well as fans of the game who prefer to stick with the first games.
