Been replaying through GOW (2018) & Ragnarok ever since the Laufey footage came out and there are so many clues that the story was always headed to the everywhen and Faye was always going to return in some way.  In fact I think the plan was to create a mythological pantheon "cinematic universe" in which a series of games would build up a number of playable characters.  

Some major clues I've noticed during my playthrough:

* In GOW 2018 we are shown the shrine image Tyr traveling to other pantheons confirming that all patheons exist in this universe.  
*  At the end, while they are on the highest peak Atreus says something along the lines of "Look its mothers, she was here, she saw every step we took before we took it. she was watching over us leading us home". 
* In Ragnarok, when Faye leaves the handprint on his forehead in Kratos' vision/nightmare Faye says "Time is running out, and there is much to do my love"
* Angrboda gives Atreus his mothers soul stone and says "sorry its empty".  Hinting that its somewhere lost. 

There have been a bunch of other smaller clues as well (like a reference to a mask in the Ironwood similar to the one in the Laufey footage)

I expect many believe making a new mainline game about Faye and not Kratos seems sudden and odd, but I strongly believe SMS has mapped out years of games in this series featuring many new and old characters interacting with different patheons. But more importantly in regards to this post, I feel they've always planned on a game with Faye.  I also think thats the real reason why they are remaking the OG trilogy.  They want to better incorporate it into this modern version of the universe.  

\* apologies if this is all been said before but I've been compelled to make this post after hearing some of the more negative reactions to the direction of Laufey. 



The "everywhen" and Faye was always the plan since GOW 2018