A God of War film has been rumored to be in the works at Sony Pictures for over two years. Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton were rumored to be the writers and Steven S. DeKnight would take the lead as director. DeKnight even explained to Giant Freakin Robot that he has had conversation with Sony and PlayStation about the project.
Melton also unveiled that the budget would be around $150 million to make the movie. Dave Bautista has long been rumored for the lead role as Kratos, but GFR also said Jason Mamoa was in the running for the part. A TV series similar to the upcoming HBO series Last of Us has also been a rumored direction for the project.
Despite detailed rumors and reports featuring quotes from the theoretical creators of the film, it appears the project may not actually be happening.
GOD OF WAR FILM NOT HAPPENING (YET)
A recent report from The New York Times indicates that the rumored God of War film is not in development at Sony. The report says the God of War live-action project isn't happening, or "at least not anytime soon," according to a Sony spokesman.
WILL THE GOD OF WAR MOVIE EVER HAPPEN?
Even though there was never any official announcement from Sony, it seemed like the God of War film was sure to be one of the next video game movies. Sony Pictures has already filmed an Uncharted film starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg that's due to drop next February. The aforementioned Last of Us series is on the way as well, along with Twisted Metal and Ghost of Tsushima shows that are also in development.
So what about God of War? The video game series has had a long and financially successful run for PlayStation with a memorable main protagonist in Kratos. Similar to other video-game-turned-motion-picture projects of the past, this IP would surely have a following that's interested in its release.
The previous reports and quotes by DeKnight, Melton, and Dunstan shouldn't go ignored. They seemed to be in somewhat serious talks with Sony and PlayStation, but it appears those interactions have fizzled. After the success of The Witcher Netflix series, a God of War movie or television series seems like a perfect fit to be a grand success.
Until any more news on a God of War movie or TV project, the next installment in the video game franchise titled God of War: Ragnarok is set to come out sometime this year.