10 Legendary Actors Who Brought Ancient Egypt to Life in 'Gods of Egypt'

The epic fantasy film 'Gods of Egypt' (2016) brought together an all-star cast to portray the legendary deities and mortals of ancient Egypt. These actors not only embodied the grandeur of the film's mythological characters but also infused them with humanity and relatability.

1. Brenton Thwaites as Bek

Brenton Thwaites, an Australian actor, played the central role of Bek, a young thief who embarks on a perilous quest to save his true love from the clutches of Set, the god of darkness and chaos. With his charming charisma and raw determination, Thwaites brought a relatable everyman quality to the film's fantastical world.

2. Gerard Butler as Set

The acclaimed Scottish actor Gerard Butler portrayed the formidable Set, a malevolent deity determined to plunge Egypt into eternal darkness. Butler's commanding presence and piercing gaze infused Set with an unsettling aura of power and menace. The actor's performance showcased the character's ruthless ambition and shattered the boundaries between humanity and divinity.

3. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Horus

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, best known for his role as Jaime Lannister in 'Game of Thrones,' starred as Horus, the falcon-headed god of light and order. Coster-Waldau's charismatic portrayal captured the character's unwavering courage and determination to restore balance to Egypt. His performance exuded both strength and vulnerability, making Horus a truly compelling figure.

4. Chadwick Boseman as Thoth

The late Chadwick Boseman, who later went on to become the iconic Black Panther, played the enigmatic Thoth, the god of knowledge and magic. Boseman's ethereal presence and intelligent eyes brought a profound depth to the character. He portrayed Thoth as a wise mentor and a powerful force in Egypt's celestial hierarchy.

5. Elodie Yung as Hathor

Elodie Yung, a French actress, embodied the goddess Hathor, the divine protector of women, beauty, and motherhood. Yung's graceful portrayal captured Hathor's elegance and power, showcasing the goddess's role as a nurturing force in ancient Egyptian society.

6. Courtney Eaton as Zaya

Australian actress Courtney Eaton played Zaya, Bek's true love and a mortal who becomes caught in the conflict between gods. Eaton's captivating performance portrayed Zaya's strength, vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty. Her character served as a poignant reminder of the human toll taken by divine battles.

7. Rufus Sewell as Urshu

Rufus Sewell, a seasoned British actor, portrayed Urshu, the serpentine demon of chaos and destruction. Sewell's sinister performance brought to life the character's menacing nature and fearsome power. Urshu's presence in the film embodied the destructive forces that threatened the stability of ancient Egypt.

8. Bryan Brown as Ra

Bryan Brown, an acclaimed Australian actor, played the revered god Ra, the creator and father of all. Brown's authoritative voice and regal bearing depicted Ra's immense power and wisdom. His performance captured the essence of the deity who brought order to the universe and ensured the cycle of life and death.

9. Abbey Lee as Anat

Abbey Lee, an Australian model and actress, portrayed Anat, the fierce goddess of war and hunting. Lee's striking presence and physical agility perfectly embodied Anat's warrior spirit. Her performance showcased the strength and determination of this enigmatic deity.

10. Emma Booth as Isis

Emma Booth, an Australian actress, played Isis, the goddess of fertility and magic. Booth's enchanting performance captured the character's beauty, power, and compassion. Her portrayal of Isis emphasized the goddess's role as a protector of Egypt and a source of healing for its people.

The cast of 'Gods of Egypt' not only brought the ancient Egyptian deities to life but also created a world on-screen that transcended mere spectacle. They delved into the characters' motives, flaws, and aspirations, making them relatable despite their divine nature. Their performances contributed significantly to the film's critical and commercial success, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.