Warhammer 40,000 is expanding into another screen project, with Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studios and Games Workshop developing a new animated series centred on the Space Marines. Henry Cavill will executive produce, while also leading Amazon’s forthcoming live-action adaptation written by Mike Flanagan.
According to a report from Variety, the project will continue the story established by the Space Marine episode of the anthology series Secret Level, “And They Shall Know No Fear”. Blur Studios is returning, with episode director Dave Wilson serving as co-creator and director. Wilson is developing the series with writer John Orloff, whose credits include Master of the Air and Band of Brothers.
The Deathwatch takes centre stage
Story information remains limited, but the series will follow the Deathwatch: an elite Space Marine force tasked with confronting alien enemies. The premise leaves open the possibility that it will continue with the same unit featured in Secret Level, including Lieutenant Titus.
The production team includes several returning figures. Secret Level creator Tim Miller is executive producing alongside Wilson, while Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment, Games Workshop’s Andy Smillie, Natalie Viscuso and Cavill are also executive producers. The show is being made in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and Games Workshop, which oversees the Warhammer brand.
“And They Shall Know No Fear” followed Lieutenant Titus and his squad as they fought Chaos cultists. Its grim combat, restrained dialogue and polished animation made it one of the better-received entries in the uneven anthology, and a particularly direct expression of Warhammer 40,000’s brutal science-fiction setting.
Blur returns to the 41st millennium
Blur has a strong reputation for high-end 3D animation, especially in game cinematics and promotional films. The studio created cinematics for Halo Wars and worked on several trailers for Star Wars: The Old Republic, including Deceived, which was also directed by Wilson.
Wilson has described Secret Level as more than a collection of standalone stories, calling it a starting point for larger narratives. He said the response to the Warhammer episode was especially strong among viewers who appreciated the care taken with the setting. In his view, the new series provides an opportunity to develop that foundation into a longer story, something he has wanted to make in the Warhammer 40,000 universe for more than two decades.
Warhammer’s screen and game expansion
The animated project is part of Games Workshop’s broader push to keep the Imperium and its enemies in front of audiences. Alongside regular tabletop miniature releases, several Warhammer 40,000 games are in development, including Dawn of War 4, Space Marine 3, a new Total War title and Boltgun 2. Helldivers 2 has also received a crossover.
For more coverage of the expanding games and entertainment landscape, visit RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog and browse the latest arcade videos. Readers planning a home gaming setup can also use the Arcade Machine Buying Guide.
Leave a Reply