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Gay Actor Max Parker Cast as Heimdall in Prime Video's 'God of War' Series After 'Boots' Cancellation
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Max Parker, the gay actor who portrayed Sergeant Liam Robert Sullivan in Netflix's military drama Boots, has landed the role of Heimdall in Prime Video's upcoming live-action God of War series. The casting news, first reported by Variety and Deadline, comes shortly after Netflix cancelled Boots after its first season despite strong reviews.
In Boots, released in October 2025, Parker played a closeted marine navigating self-acceptance in an era when being gay in the military was illegal, evolving from an antagonist to a complex mentor figure. The series, based on Greg Cope’s 2016 memoir The Pink Marine, earned a 90 percent approval rating from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes but was not renewed, with the cancellation announced by Deadline late in 2025.
Parker, 33, now steps into the fantasy world of God of War as Heimdall, the Watchman of Asgard and son of Odin. Prime Video describes the character as handsome and dynamic, with the ability to anticipate events, yet feeling unappreciated by his father and underestimated by his family, constantly seeking to elevate his status. In the video game franchise, particularly God of War Ragnarök released in 2022, Heimdall serves as a major antagonist and key obstacle for protagonists Kratos and Atreus. A
The series adapts the popular God of War video games, which began in 2005 and span Greek and Norse mythology, featuring Kratos, a Spartan god. It has garnered at least a dozen Game of the Year awards, including from The Game Awards and BAFTA Games Awards. Prime Video has ordered two seasons, with pre-production underway in Vancouver. Ryan Hurst stars as Kratos, with Frederick E. . Toye, known for Shogun, directing the first two episodes and Ronald D. Moore as showrunner, executive producer, and writer.
The storyline follows Kratos and his son Atreus on a journey to spread the ashes of Faye, Kratos's wife and Atreus's mother, It explores father-son dynamics, with Kratos teaching Atreus to be a better god and Atreus teaching his father to be a better human. Teresa Palmer has been cast as Sif, wife of Thor. The Atreus actor has not yet been announced.
Parker's previous credits include Emmerdale, Vampire Academy, Doctor Who, and Blood, Sex & Royalty, showcasing his range from soap operas to fantasy and historical dramas. His transition from the affirming narrative of Boots, which highlighted a gay service member's journey, to the high-profile God of War role underscores growing visibility for LGBTQ+ actors in major fantasy adaptations. No official release date for the series has been announced. Boots remains streaming on Netflix.
This casting adds to Prime Video's efforts in adapting acclaimed video game IPs, building on the franchise's legacy of critical and commercial success across 10 titles. Parker's involvement brings a layer of representation to the ensemble, aligning with broader industry trends toward diverse casting in blockbuster projects.
