‘God of War’ Actor Slams Amazon Series, HBO’s ‘Last of Us’ for Excluding Original Video Game Writers: ‘Drives Me Bonkers’

August 16, 2026 - 16:35

Christopher Judge, best known for voicing Kratos in the "God of War" games, has some strong words for Hollywood studios adapting video games. He recently criticized both the Amazon series based on "God of War" and HBO's "The Last of Us" for not including the original game writers in the creative process. Judge said the exclusion of the people who built those stories and characters "drives me bonkers."

In a recent interview, Judge explained that the writers who crafted those games understood the material on a level that outside showrunners often miss. He pointed out that the emotional weight and character depth in games like "God of War" come from years of careful writing and player feedback. When studios bring in new writers who have never touched the source material, he argued, something gets lost in translation. He did not single out any specific writer or episode, but his frustration was clear.

Judge's comments come as more game-to-screen adaptations are being announced. He stressed that the original writers are not just consultants or afterthoughts. They are the architects of entire worlds. By sidelining them, studios risk alienating the very fans who made those franchises successful in the first place. He also noted that the best adaptations, in his view, treat the source material with respect and bring the original creators into the room from day one.

His remarks have sparked debate online, with many fans agreeing that game writers deserve more credit. Others pointed out that TV and film have different needs, and that some changes are necessary for a new medium. Still, Judge's core point stands: the people who wrote the games should have a seat at the table. Whether Amazon or HBO will respond to his criticism remains to be seen, but the conversation around creative credit in adaptations is far from over.