On March 16, 2025, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sent shockwaves through the entertainment world with a heartfelt and enthusiastic endorsement of Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s latest career milestone: landing the iconic role of Kratos in a highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the God of War video game franchise. The announcement, made official by Sony Pictures earlier this week, has fans buzzing, but it was The Rock’s personal congratulations that stole the spotlight. In a video posted to his Instagram, the Hollywood megastar didn’t hold back his excitement, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, you know—you should have done this about 10 years ago, bro!” The playful jab, delivered with The Rock’s signature charisma, underscored a moment that bridges their shared WWE history with a bold new chapter in Triple H’s evolving legacy.
The casting of Triple H as Kratos—a grizzled, rage-fueled Spartan warrior turned god-slayer—has been years in the making, fueled by fan speculation ever since the God of War series exploded in popularity on PlayStation consoles. At 55, Levesque brings a physicality and gravitas honed over decades in professional wrestling, where he reigned as a 14-time world champion and became one of WWE’s most formidable figures. Now, as Chief Content Officer of WWE, he’s transitioned from the ring to the boardroom, but this role marks a triumphant return to the spotlight in a way few saw coming. The Rock, a fellow wrestling icon turned global movie star, was quick to celebrate the news, reflecting on their intertwined paths. “From the squared circle to slaying gods—this is your moment, Hunter,” he said in the video, grinning ear to ear.
The Rock’s comments carry extra weight given his own journey. After dominating WWE in the late ‘90s and early 2000s alongside Triple H—often as rivals in legendary feuds—he parlayed his larger-than-life persona into a blockbuster Hollywood career with films like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. His quip about Triple H waiting “10 years” nods to a missed opportunity: back in the mid-2010s, when God of War rumors first swirled, fans campaigned for Levesque to play Kratos, citing his imposing 6’4” frame, chiseled features, and commanding presence. “I remember telling him back then, ‘Man, you’re Kratos—go get it!’” The Rock recalled. “But now’s the perfect time. He’s seasoned, he’s ready, and he’s gonna crush it.”
The God of War film, directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One), aims to adapt the 2018 game’s Norse mythology reboot, where Kratos, older and weathered, mentors his son Atreus while battling deities like Baldur. Triple H’s casting feels tailor-made: his grizzled beard, scars from years in the ring, and deep, gravelly voice mirror the character’s battle-hardened essence. Early screen tests leaked online show him wielding the Leviathan Axe with a ferocity that’s already winning over skeptics. “He looks like he walked straight out of the game,” one X user raved. Another added, “Triple H as Kratos is the casting we didn’t know we needed until now.” The Rock echoed this sentiment, noting, “That intensity he brought to the ring? Multiply it by 10—that’s what he’s bringing to this role.”
Their mutual respect shines through in this moment. Both men rose through WWE’s Attitude Era, clashing in brutal matches that defined an era—think the infamous ladder match at SummerSlam ‘98. Yet off-screen, they’ve maintained a brotherhood, often praising each other’s post-wrestling successes. Triple H, who married Stephanie McMahon and became a key architect of WWE’s modern era, has focused on storytelling behind the scenes, while The Rock conquered cinema. “We’ve both taken different roads, but we know what it takes to entertain,” The Rock said. “Seeing him step into Kratos—it’s like watching him hit a Pedigree on the big screen.”
Not everyone’s sold, though. Some fans on X question whether Triple H, at his age, can capture Kratos’ raw physicality, with one writing, “He’s too old—Kratos needs someone in their prime.” Others argue his wrestling promos don’t translate to acting depth: “Great wrestler, but can he carry a film?” The Rock dismissed such doubts with a laugh. “Too old? Tell that to the guy who’s been slamming 300-pound dudes for 30 years. And acting? He’s been cutting promos that make you feel every word—that’s Kratos right there.”
The film’s production kicks off in late 2025, with a 2027 release eyed, giving Triple H time to bulk up further—a process he’s already started, judging by recent gym photos. The Rock hinted at a cameo, joking, “Maybe I’ll play Zeus and we’ll settle some old scores!” For now, his endorsement has amplified the hype, bridging wrestling fans with gamers and cinephiles. “This is bigger than WWE,” he said. “Hunter’s about to show the world what he’s made of—again.”
As Triple H prepares to embody the Ghost of Sparta, The Rock’s words linger: a decade late, perhaps, but perfectly timed for a career-defining moment. Whether slaying gods or silencing doubters, Levesque’s Kratos era is poised to be a game-changer—pun intended.
