Prime Video’s anthology series, Secret Level, made waves recently with its episode featuring the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The episode, titled “And They Shall Know No Fear,” captivated audiences and showcased the talent of Syama Pedersen, the creator behind the acclaimed Astartes fan film. What many viewers might not know is that there were plans for a longer, full-length animated film based on this popular short.
Before the launch of Secret Level, Tim Miller, known for directing Deadpool, recognized the potential of Pedersen’s Astartes. In a discussion with the panel of Corridor Digital’s VFX Artists React, Miller shared his enthusiasm for Astartes, stating, “I contacted Syama and said, ‘Hey, this is f***ing awesome. This is super cool.'” He envisioned a sixty-minute adaptation of Astartes, hoping to have Pedersen at the helm. Unfortunately, interest from Amazon did not materialize at that time.
Miller explained the complexities involved, noting, “Then it all has to go through Games Workshop, too. Because it’s different the way he’s doing it, sort of outside the system.” The apprehension regarding the use of intellectual property without direct involvement from the original creators complicated matters further.
Despite this setback, the collaboration between Pedersen and Games Workshop eventually took shape. The studio acknowledged Pedersen’s work and entrusted him with the Warhammer property, leading to the production of a sequel, Astartes 2, for its Warhammer+ platform. This development suggests that while the initial proposal for a feature film did not succeed, it laid the groundwork for future projects.
The notion of a full-length animated Warhammer film remains intriguing, especially considering the potential involvement of high-profile figures like Henry Cavill, who has expressed interest in the Warhammer universe. Cavill’s deep-rooted passion for the franchise could drive further exploration of cinematic adaptations within this rich lore.
As fans eagerly await more content from the Warhammer universe, the missed opportunity for a longer Astartes adaptation raises questions about future collaborations between Amazon and Games Workshop. The prospect of a full-length animated feature remains a tantalizing possibility that many hope will not be overlooked again.
For those interested in the world of Warhammer, Secret Level is currently available on Prime Video, offering a glimpse into the expansive universe and creative storytelling possibilities it holds. As discussions around adaptations continue, fans are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming projects and developments.
