How Sunny Suljic Became God of War's Atreus | Teen Vogue

In 2018, Sunny Suljic first auditioned for the role of Atreus in God of War when he was only 8-years-old. Now that God of War Ragnarök has returned, Sunny has brought an entirely new look and attitude to his video game character. He takes us through his entire process of auditioning and preparing for the return of his iconic role as the son of Kratos. From motion capturing to the moment he found out he is Loki, Sunny spills all on how he gets in (and out) of character.
00:00 "My face was so small"
00:25 The Audition
01:32 Mental Prep
02:25 Norse Mythology
02:59 Forgetting His Lines
03:36 Loki
04:27 Filming
05:03 Motion Capture
07:19 Glitching
07:38 Christopher Judge
08:48 Laya DeLeon Hayes
09:37 Fenrir's Death
11:20 Voice Consistency
12:49 Lessons Learned
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Grant Bell
Editor: Jason Malizia, Katie Wolford
Celebrity Talent: Sunny Suljic
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Associate Producer: Clarissa Davis
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production and Equipment Manager: Kevin Balash
Talent Booker: Tara Burke
Camera Operator: Lucas Vilicich
Audio: Paul Cornett
Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan
Hair and Makeup: Vanessa Rene
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Erica Dillman
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@seven5410]

“hope that I can be Atreus again” same here sunny, same here. you deserve the role

[@mikez4388]

Dude played the role for about 10 years, and he really grew into it to become a mature actor. Let's hope he expands his roles that are just as intimate and personal in other mediums

[@falcon8105]

@@mikez4388 I mean, he did Mid90s and that felt like a personal role

[@tyaihefner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWmamaJ_Zal9iJo

[@SomeGuy-mt4hq]

Did you see the smile when he said that? Have you played the game? He's getting a spin off

[@VrPhotoGamess]

Absolutely 🥺💙

[@SlamminJammy25]

Imagine growing up as a kid and being able to play yourself in one of the most legendary game series of all time. Sunny's living the dream.

[@MODERN-GAMING-IS-TRASH]

Spy Of War 2021

[@-LowResDream]

Idk if this is his first job but its definitely something thats going to make his career and he’s actually going down in history for being in one of the greatest games ever thats really insane to think when you’re a kid but even better when you grow up and realize what you did and how many ppl love you.

[@LegendaryDarkKnight602]

Imo he kinda favors the MCU Loki. I'd like to see him cosplay as his more hilarious counterpart.

[@j.j.j.j.1830]

We did in just about every WWE game ever

[@mvhda1mxn]

facts

[@GarrettWang-ej5eh]

The performance he has when the wolf dies is just soooo impressive. He's a talented kid and really looking forward to his furture performance, movie or video game

[@perenniallachrymosity276]

I've never played God Of War or even really watched any clips of it but I saw Sunny first through The Killing of a Sacred Deer (SO GOOD) and then Mid90s (also good 👍). He seems a very talented person.

[@DoomSlayer288]

He was really good in mid 90's. I highly recommend that movie

[@whoasked6696]

Oops I definitely should not have glanced down here & seen this spoiler lol since, comment sections show even when you don’t click on it and scroll lol

[@LegendaryDarkKnight602]

"I know you don't like me, but we're gonna have to trust each other just... a little bit." That delivery was perfect.

[@michaelgrahamwongacutemadness]

and then he had to rerecord the voices for the entire game that shocked me

[@infamouscha]

Judge and Suljic having the "Father/Son" or "Mentor/Student" dynamic really made the relationship between Kratos/Atreus believable. Because that's essentially what it was, Judge was teaching Suljic to be a voice actor, and Kratos was teaching Atreus to be a warrior.

[@antonnerushak9649]

A warrior and a man.

[@AHappyCub]

@@antonnerushak9649 and a better god too

[@FNKYMNKY003]

Be Better.

[@pxnk_n_disorderly]

An actor, not just a voice actor. Both these guys have performed in cinematic projects.

[@keno2285]

he’s bosnian 🇧🇦🇧🇦🇧🇦🇧🇦🇧🇦

[@silverheart7964]

Surprised to hear he wasn't happy with his performance in 2018,he was brilliant even at that age.

[@user-op6kt8pg9y]

Yeah I replay 2018 all the time just because I like traveling with and listening to atreus speak

[@architdewan6717]

It’s not Tht he said he wasn’t happy with his performances it’s that he felt embarasssed. If u find a video of ur old self it gets weird

[@dafaqu694]

He's cringing

[@danielawesome36]

I think he thinks he's cringe in 2018.

[@PhoeFireaga]

You'd be surprised at how many actors who don't watch the stuff they've worked on nor like watching themselves in.

[@Pepsi_Man_Max]

I'm so glad Chris Judge won best performance at the VGA's but I voted for Sunny personally. His performance blew me away in its subtly and how genuine he was

[@doomguy2337]

So did chris

[@markmauk8231]

But his acceptance speech was a little bit off....

[@sierraboire6327]

I did too!

[@fortminor85]

@@markmauk8231if you had a chance of Al Pacino giving you props you’d flub up ur speech

[@markmauk8231]

@@fortminor85 yeah*lol Probably

[@kevinten2478]

They really got lucky with Sunny and Chris Judge. Perfect casting, perfect dynamic.

[@tydshiin5783]

They had like perfect score on the chemistry test between them iirc

[@omartaamalli8416]

he deserves his own atreus game

[@MariusBoss11458]

Agreed

[@mr.galactic8064]

Boi of War

[@andray310]

It is pretty much confirmed.

[@mustafacavus6903]

@@andray310 how?

[@AllBetzOff]

@@mustafacavus6903because it just seems too perfect to not happen

[@alpha_jasperflair1097]

Sunny is such a humble person, he has a brighter future ahead of him especially in game history

[@katrinabelos4186]

Heh brighter Get it caus- Oh nevermind-

[@narutony1916]

I really hope he keeps acting. I think he has a ton of potential

[@danielnicolas4623]

@@katrinabelos4186not even funny…

[@cocoguy4374]

@@katrinabelos4186that was hilarious

[@StranglerSix]

I do hope more developers get him to play different roles. Often times, young actors who book very memorable roles get typecasted and eventually become forgotten. This time, let's hope it's not the case.

[@nnekaatto]

Sunny is so incredibly talented - and multi-talented, too! Can't wait to see what else he does in the future 🔥

[@sadfaceofficial1740]

his skateboarding skills are real

[@noahjohnson3370]

@@sadfaceofficial1740 and his music skills

[@ninjason57]

The people who complained about his annoyances in the game are only proving the high level of his acting skills

[@Pattmore]

Yeah plus he’s Loki..he’s supposed to be annoying

[@Kostas_Dikefalaios]

​​@@PattmoreThat wasnt intended outside of that one instance in the first game

[@blueberryzz_z]

He played this so well Atreus felt like a real 13-15 year old he’s awkward,moody and shy at times he wants his dad to look at him in a good light it was crazy because I remember lashing out at my mom because she didn’t understand on how I felt or how I got nervous when meeting someone new or even when I got my first crush and it made my heart flutter

[@akilcharles3473]

I don't care what anybody says this kid has such a bright future ahead of him and I for 1 would love to see/play a spinoff or maybe having his own game as Atreus in the next GoW installment.

[@hamburgerham6197]

Fax bro

[@SariaSpeaks]

Man, hearing Sunny talk about his performance with Fenrir, it's no wonder his character is so beloved. He's diligent yet humble and really respects the process of making these games. Great dude. I hope we see him again.

[@ethan-os2xy]

bro deserves all the hype, he so talented

[@Easy_chance0]

Like Chris said at game awards he is the future of the gaming world

[@theprodigalson4003]

I can see a lot going on behind his eyes. I think he’s got a bright future Atreaus was extremely captivating. Both 2018 and ragnarok. Striking performance bro Also seeing and hearing more about Christopher, I almsot think the vassal of Kratos does not do him Justice. He is more deserving of a more expressive character

[@osteazo]

Kids been famous for like 6 years already you don’t have to say he has a bright future

[@latchflex838]

@@osteazo 6 years is long but also not long if you consider a lot of actors careers also Sunny is 17 so yeah

[@PufferGlitch]

The humble attitude and the level of self-reflection which he displays will serve him well. Looking forward to following his career, whatever shape or form it will take.

[@thestrugglingwriter5254]

He is a brilliant young actor. His career will be great

[@cabsmih7897]

Sunny was so dope as Atreus, and I loved him in Mid90s. This kid’s got a bright future.

[@itqasme]

💀💀

[@Skynryd]

Loved every second of Sunny's performance as Atreus/Loki and couldn't imagine anyone else in the role. Absolute legend. Also, BOI.

[@mackenzierhodes8971]

I literally cried for the Fenrir scene. Amazing performance.

[@Squicx]

He's so talented for his age! Scoring nothing but absolute bangers so far proves Sunny has pure TALENT

[@delonejuanderer]

I truly think 2018 and Ragnorak will be a benchmark on coming of age stories of the modern age, all because of you! These two games moved me so much as an adult I can only imagine experiencing this as a kid.

[@lgolem09l]

To be honest, the writers are still the ones deserving most of the credit. Actor's don't make up themes and arcs on the spot

[@casonortega9965]

Sunny was phenomenal and his performance was just plain amazing. I hope we see him more in the future. His performance with Fenrir in the beginning made me straight up cry.

[@SHYLE0N]

love Sunny's perfromance in GOW

[@DI4N4L]

Sunny truly blew me away with his performance in both games, I hope we get to see more of his characters journey and him walking his own path. I hope he knows how precious little Atreus is for a lot of us fans of these games💛

[@DavidRodriguez-ru6df]

That fenrir scene absolutely broke me. My dog had also passed away recently. It was such an unexpected scene, that it hit me so freaken hard.

[@hoobslice]

His performance was amazing, and this video really put into perspective for me the time and effort it takes to make a game like this! To begin filming at 8 and now be 17 just shows how long projects like this stay a part of your life.

[@skinnybepis9579]

While I love Christopher Judge I think he def deserved to win VA of the year. His performance as atreus was amazing and he did such a great job raising the character

[@SgtByrd93]

His voice is so iconic now, I'm so proud of this kid

[@mouldypretzel]

Sunny absolutely nailed his performance. I would love to play a game as Atreus in the future (spin off?). Atreus' fight mechanic in Ragnarok is great as a stand alone directly playable character. I hope Sunny gets the role again as I'm sure he would

[@tacituskilgore9731]

Genuinely don’t know who else would be better for this role than sunny. Just like he said, the chemistry he had with Christopher is something you can’t replace. That happens a lot in games, like in tlou with Joel and Ellie. The first time you see it, you know and feel just how well it fits, and can’t replace it.

[@somerandomguy579]

"I hope that I can get to play Atreus again." He just like me, fr 😭😭😭

[@AcridMoon]

sunny saying he disliked his 2018 performance when he gave us scenes like the “how do you know?” scene is insane

[@gomiko8979]

Man... I still remember the release day like it was yesterday. Our boy went through voice cracking stage it's just unbelievable how time flies so f'n fast.

[@JnEricsonx]

I played 2018 at launch and was like THIS IS AWESOME.

[@germanmann2045]

The Performance of Sunny was incredible. Especially the death on Fenrir took me quite a while to recover :D. Thank you for this masterpiece of game! Definitely made my gaming year 2022!!

[@chefboirdaleyproductions1194]

So hard not to hear his voice outside the game but it’s literally the same person damnit 🤦🏾‍♂️😭

[@asapbruhhhhh]

A lot of people don’t even realize he’s one of the best skateboarders in the world.

[@bluelightning555]

Atreus is my favourite character so far, and I'm glad we've had such a great actor to portray him.

[@Lars_Ziah_Zawkian]

Would you like a dlc or spin off of him?

[@MrEgg13133]

@@Lars_Ziah_ZawkianI would

[@Tajographist]

Sounds JUST like him. I love when VA's natural voices are the voice being used

[@dondrew4798]

I couldn’t believe it when ragnarok just stared i was already crying 2 minutes in such an amazing emotional scene i loved it

[@shanab.7881]

He’s really talented. Looking forward to seeing his career journey. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.

[@Just_a_kid_with_a_dream]

Bro I didn’t know that sunny was the actor for this it surprised me, it’s really cool to now know that he played at Atreus 😃

[@TheShadow8771]

Mcu loki and Norse Loki are completely different glad he didn't go full mcu style

[@charleswright-jackson6331]

Coming back as Atreus or not, I hope you get more roles in entertainment. Two of the best stories I've ever experienced personally.

[@guibacana]

Let's hope they made an stand alone atreus adventure

[@akaygames_]

Sunny is so adorable! 😂 He did amazing playing as Atreus. I am glad we got a behind the scenes with his character because there was already one out for kratos.

[@brandom5007]

Him shaking up and “hoping” to try this again totally is code for oh yeah and we’re making another one at some point.

[@ViaRosalesVlogs]

Theyve been working on it since 2014, released the first game in 2018 then the sequel 4 yrs after, they real took time to give us these masterpiece, Sunny and Christopher was phenomenal, perfectly cast for their roles, hopefully we will get the 3rd part in 2026?

[@KingKuraii]

Bros 17 wtf. So I was deadass only 13 when he began voice acting for atreus. That's insane how secretive these ppl were

[@yahyarajaee5883]

Sometimes I forget how much time and energy are put into AAA games nowadays. Sunny was 8 during production of GoW 2018 and 17 during release of Ragnarok. Roger Clark who played Arthur Morgan in RDR2 recorded his lines initially in 2012. Makes me appreciate these games a lot.

[@andyestrada8047]

I dont want fame to go in his head, I want him to be greatful and learns what it is to be a good man, a great one.

[@simaopinto8521]

He looks pretty humble

[@KingZedusPrime2009TyrentKaiju]

@@simaopinto8521 easy to look humble online, and alot of Hollywood people are pedophiles, let's hope he stays in line but he will never be like you or me

[@simaopinto8521]

@@KingZedusPrime2009TyrentKaiju Bro, he's still a kid. He'll be fine

[@WheresPoochie]

He seems very down-to-earth and lucid. He also isn’t being overexposed so he has parents and MGMT who are letting him grow up properly.

[@vjlva]

He did a wonderful job, I was bawling my eyes the entire time.

[@nihileyes]

Sunny’s performance in both games were amazing. I remember when Kratos was in the light of alfheim for too long and Atreus pulled him out! Panned to all the defeated dark elves…..Atreus was fed tf up 😭 too good!!

[@DiogoPace]

This dude is a star, his performances as Atreus and on Mid90s at his age are unreal.

[@soranapopescu1296]

I hope to see him in more games and especially casted in the live action GOW series along with Christopher Judge!

[@jordynevans7295]

He really did such a great job in this most recent one. He played on the dynamic so well. I wish he would do more stuff, what a great actor

[@bribri0812]

Sunny is so down to earth and well spoken for his age. He has a bright future ahead of him.

[@lolurnotkelly]

The best part is that Santa Monica actually cares about making a good story. You can tell he's in good hands. This kid has a long future in the Video Game Industry.

[@zadevil635]

1:39 this is a really cool design for maybe an even older atreus. Maybe in GOW6 he might look this cool or even cooler

[@CampingforCool41]

I had no idea he was so young when he auditioned for the first game wow

[@CaptainPikeachu]

Game development takes so long sometimes you forget how much time goes by and how fast the little ones grow

[@kennzy1668]

I hope they give Atreus his own game 🤞🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@OnurTheXbot]

I hope Atreus gets his own game, Sunny did very well playing this role considering his age.

[@StWonka]

Sunny's a really talented actor, hope he gets more opportunities after God of War

[@cjay6664]

I loved his performance in 2018 this game made us feel like we were training a kid into the warrior he became in the sequel

[@fatemakhan3843]

I wished Sunny should get the VGA 2022, because his performance was truly phenomenal 👏

[@thehunter7422]

Sunny should be very proud of these accomplishments. He did so well as Atreus/Loki in both of these games. Especially that Fenrir scene hit me personally, few months prior before Ragnarok released , my cat passed away and had to bury him , lived with me for almost like 12 years ( he could've been older but he was originally a stray that lived outside our apartments , then when it got really REALLY cold we decided to keep him . He probably could've been like 15 or 16 years old or older. But that was a horrible week or 2 after that happened) so that scene was gonna stick with me for quite a bit . He's becoming an amazing talented actor . Hope he is able to continue as Atreus and can't wait to see what he does next. His acting is amazing. I see a bright future for him acting wise

[@egnato1165]

Just finished Ragnarok. In the 2018 game, Atreus is a nice character with bits of protagonism here and there. In Ragnarok, he is one of if not the best character overall. His arc is so fun to experience, his reflections, the way he manages to talk his way around Asgard and their people... And it's also really fun to play as him so a 10/10 in every aspect

[@anasshahid224]

Sunny was amazing as Atreus in both God of War games 👏👏👏👏

[@randomasianontheinternet8364]

Sunny is such a talented actor for his age and I really hope he gets bigger roles in the future.

[@iqbaalannaafi761]

Boy, you ought to have your own game sometime after this!

[@CommandaInChief]

He did an amazing job in God of war and he was adorable. And he didn’t disappoint in Ragnarok. Perfect

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

I hope he'll be part of the next game as well❤❤❤❤

[@r3gret2079]

Thank you Sunny, for everything you did. Atreus is such a great character, and GOW has been a big part of my gaming life. The love you brought to Atreus and the rest of the cast and game, is huge. Thanks again. I appreciate you!

[@r3gret2079]

@@TeenVogue22 you should be ashamed of yourself. You poor fledgling shitlet. Nobody loves you. Sadge.

[@KillJoy_Since2017]

It’s crazy how video games are made now , it still amazes me

[@kasaibouF29]

The boy has grown 😭

[@k.ashutoshbaitharu3964]

Being able to play yourself as a character in a video game. Wow that would actually feel amazing!

[@darthgamer9468]

I've been playing God of War recently (for the first time), and Sunny's performance as Atreus has definitely been a highlight of the game, especially in the latter half. I can't wait to play Ragnarok and see more of him in the role!

[@paulolosi1452]

Chris and sunny did such an AMAZING dang job that I had to replay the whole 2018 game all over again 3 times, each time with different difficulty level mode and I’m about to do the same with Ragnarok. Since Forspoken was such a disappointment😫. But anyways I really hope they’ll continue with Atreus story finding the giants.

[@sena.eksiii]

i just love sunny so much he seems so down to earth & unproblematic😭💕

[@deadmanexperience724]

Sunny said he wasnt a biggest fan of his 2018 performance and he feels like watching his emberassing old video everyone have feeling like that, so it's natural and it means he is so good and talented that he can feels that way like Atreus is really part of him "hope that I can be Atreus again" No you Atreus boy. You will be our Atreus

[@sickeningtouch]

Oh my heart when he said he had lost his dog and started genuinely crying for his own dog with fenrir.

[@newleader5982]

One of the best voice actors, he deserves it

[@Septic-Hearts]

Atreus wouldn't be Atreus without Sunny. I really loved his performance throughout the game, I felt his frustration, sadness, and his joy, I loved the chemistry between Kratos and Angrboda, and I was so glad to see he was also nominated as actor of the year for the Game Awards with Chris. So well deserved. If Atreus ever gets his own games I'd love for Sunny to play him. Also it's really crazy to realise he's spent most of his life playing as and being this character. I didn't realise the production for these games took that long, I figured it was a long and complex process, but wow. Kudos to everyone on the team for keeping it up!

[@KaaroolLopez]

Es tan grandioso e increíble del cómo ves crecer a un actor así (literalmente) 🥺🙏🏻

[@gets0410]

Yes... I also got emotional during that Fenrir scene, knowing that something like that is inevitable to pet lovers.

[@Lay_2]

It’s insane that we’re the same age watching him since mid-90s and his skating career

[@Nkookdmin-fh5cu]

I love how when I hear him talk. I just hear Atreus and its awesome.

[@ThiagoOliveirs]

How Sunny became B-O-Y! These 2 actors nailed their roles in this franchise, I can't wait for more. Hopefully, if they do post ragnarok on the tv show, he's atreus again

[@calisthetics]

He has to be the most talented teen actor I've seen fr

[@muhammadamirul8110]

both sunny and chris voice are iconic!

[@amandawoody557]

"I hope that I can be Atreus again" DEVS PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU FOR AN ATREUS DLC!!!!! What a talented kid!!

[@tiredallthetime1636]

He did such a fantastic job. I can’t wait to see where he and the GOW team take Atreus in the future.

[@crackiracki9772]

I hope he goes far because he really is talented

[@tionak]

I was watching Mid 90s and it took me so long to realize that was Atreus! He was such a great actor even then.

[@morning.cereal]

i really hope to see him in more projects as well, he is really really good. Has extremely believable performances and a good looking kid to add. That helps in this industry.

[@lolasnormandy]

I hope we continue to see the trend of games hiring actual child/teen actors to play child/teen roles, especially if the character is a protagonist/co-protagonist. It really creates far more genuine, realistic, and relatable characters imo, and I think Atreus is a perfect example of that.

[@gregap8282]

Crossing my fingers for a spin off series with Atreus

[@misszee007]

He did a great job. Me my son and husband have been playing and it’s great to experience it. It really means a lot❤