Summary
Atreus was a divisive character in 2018’sGod of War, so much so that actor Sunny Suljic changed his portrayal due to player feedback forGod of War Ragnarok. The latest twoGod of Wargames served as a refresh of sorts for the series, bringing Kratos into a new setting based on Norse mythology many years after the events of the originalGod of Wartrilogy. The former Ghost of Sparta had changed a great deal in that time, having started a new family and seemingly putting his violent past behind him before being forced back into action inGod of WarandGod of War Ragnarok.
After the death of his second wife Faye, the last remnant of Kratos’s new family is his son Atreus, who accompanies him on his journeys in both Norse-basedGod of Wargames and develops a major storyline of his own as they go on. However, while 2018’sGod of Warwas met with high praise for itsevolved characterization of Kratos, the younger Atreus left the fanbase divided between those who found him to be an interesting counter to his cold and stoic father and those who were simply annoyed by him. This lessened somewhat in 2022’sGod of War Ragnarok, where Atreus is considerably more mature.
As it turns out, this is partially due to how players reacted to Atreus in the 2018God of Wargame, as confirmed by Sunny Suljic himself during aGod of Warpanel at MCM Comic Con Birmingham this weekend (viaTheGamer). Suljic revealed that he made a fake Twitch account and asked other users how they felt about “the kid inGod of War,” with many comments saying that Atreus was “a brat.” In response, Suljic changed his approach toplaying Atreus inGod of War Ragnarok.
Sunny Suljic Made Atreus Less of a “Brat” in God of War Ragnarok
While the older Atreus inGod of War Ragnarokhasn’t met as much ire as his younger self from the previous game, not everyone is pleased with Kratos’s son. OriginalGod of Warcreator David Jaffedescribed Atreus as a “terrible character” during his criticism of the newerGod of Wargames, and even Sunny Suljic has decried his character’s tendency to give out obvious puzzle hints inGod of War Ragnarok.
Still, Atreus is a key character in the two NordicGod of Wargames, withGod of War Ragnarokin particular leaving the door open for him to become the main protagonist in a future entry. Many fans would like to see Atreus return, and it would be interesting to see how Sunny Suljic evolves his character furtherin a newGod of Warspin-offor mainline entry that picks up the young demigod’s journey whereGod of War Ragnarokleft off.
God of War Ragnarok
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
