Amazon MGM Studios is developing a Warhammer 40,000
animated event series in partnership with Blur Studios and Games Workshop. The project serves as a spinoff of the animated anthology series “Secret Level,” which debuted in late 2024 and featured a Warhammer 40,000
episode. The new series will focus on The Deathwatch, an elite group of Space Marines specializing in hunting alien threats.
Creative Leadership and Production
Dave Wilson, who served as the supervising director and directed the “Warhammer 40,000” episode of “Secret Level,” is the director and co-creator of the animated series. He is developing the project alongside John Orloff, known for “Band of Brothers” and “Masters of the Air.” According to Variety, Wilson described “Secret Level” as a launchpad for larger stories
and stated that the extraordinary response from fans provided the opportunity to tell a long-form story in the “Warhammer 40,000” world.
The production team includes several executive producers:
- Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso
- Tim Miller and Dave Wilson for Blur Studios
- Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment
- Andy Smillie from Games Workshop
Live-Action Expansion and Mike Flanagan
The animated series is being developed alongside a separate live-action Warhammer 40,000
series. Henry Cavill, a long-time fan of the tabletop miniature wargame, is attached to star in and executive produce the live-action project. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the global rights to the IP in December 2024 for Cavill to lead.
Deadline reports that filmmaker Mike Flanagan is in talks to join the series as a writer, director, showrunner and executive producer. According to a Games Workshop annual report, Flanagan has already completed initial story outlines and is moving into the scripting phase. This project would be the second series under a multiyear overall deal Flanagan signed with Amazon MGM Studios in March, following his adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” which is scheduled to hit Prime Video on October 7.
The live-action efforts involve a deep producing bench. Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso partnered with Cavill to secure the rights before bringing them to Amazon. Additional producers for United Artists include Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, and Patrick Chu, while Max Bottrill of Games Workshop also serves as an executive producer.
Context and Cinematic Ambitions
The 2022 agreement between Amazon Studios and Games Workshop encompasses more than a single show, opening the door for merchandise and films. Cavill has described the opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception as an honor and a responsibility. The Warhammer 40,000
setting is situated in the far future, characterized by humanity facing threats from alien empires, traitors, and malevolent gods.
This project is part of a broader trend of game-based IP at Amazon. Prime Video currently airs a “Fallout” adaptation and is preparing a live-action “Tomb Raider” show starring Sophie Turner. Other projects in development include a “God of War” live-action show, a series version of Life Is Strange,
and adaptations of “Wolfenstein” and “Mass Effect.”
Project Status and Timeline
Despite the momentum, no premiere date, trailer, or concept art has been released. As of January 2026, Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree noted that the delivery timeline rests with Amazon. While Cavill is the only confirmed cast member, the specific character he will portray has not been revealed.
Games Workshop also confirmed that a new Warhammer: Age of Sigmar
episode is in development for the second season of “Secret Level,” while the separate animated series centered on the Deathwatch continues its development.
Worth a look
