God of War hid a discreet post-credits scene within a sentimental and optional endeavor. If players return to Kratos and Atreus' home from the start of God of War after journeying to Jotunheim to scatter Faye's ashes, they will see a tease for one of God of War Ragnarok's main antagonists: Thor.
Thor's reveal was indeed a surprise for players to already catch a look at, and precipitated what events may unfold in God of War's sequel. Thor's role in God of War Ragnarok has yet to be determined fully, but his unorthodox manner of reveals has continued thereafter. God of War Ragnarok's Thor is played by Ryan Hurst, who fans may be familiar with from roles such as Gerry Bertier in Remember the Titans, "Opie" Winston in Sons of Anarchy, and Beta in The Walking Dead. Recently, Hurst shared photos of his visit to a particular studio.
Hurst shared photos commemorating his return to Santa Monica Studio in Santa Monica, California. Hurst does not explain what the nature of his visit was exactly, but the photos he took represent his excitement and pride for his role in God of War Ragnarok nonetheless. Hurst's first photo shows him pressed happily against a massive studio logo for Santa Monica Studio, while the second photo shows Hurst pose in front of a logo banner for God of War Ragnarok.
The third and fourth photos show Hurst menacingly staring down Santa Monica Studio's life-size statue of Kratos. While this is not technically a stare-down between God of War Ragnarok's Kratos and Thor, it foreshadows the intense encounter that fans will experience when God of War Ragnarok releases. It is fun to see Hurst pose in-character with the statue in the meantime and hype up Kratos and Thor's heavyweight bout.
Thor's character has been portrayed fully through God of War Art Director Raf Grassetti character model art, while the character was interestingly not shown at all in God of War Ragnarok's reveal trailer. Thor's appearance in God of War Ragnarok has been criticized for how it dissociates from the Marvel Cinematic Universe's interpretation of the Norse god, but it is apparently more akin to the character's authentic representation as was the inspiration.
Thor's voice, however, was heard in the trailer in a single line: "You seem like a calm and reasonable person. Are you a calm and reasonable person?" Hurst's natural command of a low, guttural voice will surely make Thor an imposing threat when players meet him in God of War Ragnarok.
God of War Ragnarok is scheduled to release in 2022 on PS4 and PS5.