The Space Marines of Warhammer 40,000 may all fight for the Emperor, but they don't always get along. A Space Wolf and a Dark Angel can share a battlefield while carrying centuries of bad blood. A Black Templar's zeal clashes with an Ultramarine's logic. Each Chapter has its own traditions, secrets, and grudges. Then there's the Deathwatch—an elite force that pulls veteran Marines from across the Imperium and throws them together into specialized kill teams dedicated to hunting alien threats. That makes the Deathwatch one of the most fascinating factions in the setting, and it's exactly why Prime Video is starting its Warhammer universe there.
Henry Cavill recently confirmed that Amazon is teaming up with Dave Wilson, John Orloff, and Blur Studio for a new Secret Level season entirely devoted to Warhammer 40,000, with the Deathwatch taking center stage. Wilson is directing, while Cavill and the Warhammer team are ensuring it fits into the larger "overall universe plan." Before the live-action series even arrives, this animated anthology could be the perfect launchpad.
The Deathwatch Can Introduce Almost Everything That Makes Warhammer Great
Space Marines are the face of Warhammer 40,000—even newcomers recognize those hulking armored warriors. But choosing which Chapter to spotlight is tricky. Focus on the Ultramarines, and you're locked into their story. Do the same with the Blood Angels or Space Wolves, and you've committed to one corner of the Imperium. The Deathwatch avoids that trap entirely. A kill team can include Marines from any Chapter, each carrying their own identity and baggage. A Space Wolf is still a Space Wolf; a Dark Angel still has secrets. For longtime fans, that tension is gold. For newcomers, it's a natural way to learn how the universe works without heavy-handed exposition.
The Deathwatch also opens the door to the wider galaxy. Its whole purpose is fighting xenos—Tyranids, Orks, Necrons, T'au, Aeldari, Genestealer Cults, and more. Each mission can reveal a new piece of the setting without turning the show into a faction tour. That's a huge advantage for an expanding franchise.
Dave Wilson Has Already Proven He Understands Space Marines
We've seen Wilson and Blur Studio tackle Warhammer before. The first Secret Level season included "And They Shall Know No Fear," following the Ultramarines' 2nd Company against a Chaos cult. That episode nailed the feel of Space Marines—transhuman weapons moving with impossible speed and violence. They were massive yet agile, brutal yet almost supernatural. Wilson's team clearly gets what makes these characters tick.
Now, with an entire season, they can expand that foundation. The Deathwatch lets them show how much bigger the setting is beyond the Space Marines. By the time the live-action series arrives, viewers will already understand what Space Marines are, why Chapters matter, and what threats lurk beyond the Imperium. That takes the pressure off the live-action show to do all the heavy lifting.
The Deathwatch Is a Gateway to the Rest of Warhammer 40,000
One of the best things about Warhammer 40,000 is its depth—there's always another corner to explore. The Deathwatch is built for that discovery. Every kill team member can hint at another Chapter. Every mission can reveal a new world. Every xenos threat can open a door Prime Video doesn't have to walk through until it's ready. Secret Level doesn't need to show everything at once; the galaxy can grow bigger with each episode.
That's why starting with the Deathwatch is smarter than just starting with Space Marines. They're not the whole universe, but they're a perfect way into it. If Secret Level is part of the "overall universe plan," the Deathwatch makes that plan far more exciting. It's a move that respects longtime fans while welcoming newcomers—exactly what a franchise this big needs.
For more on the expanding Warhammer universe, check out our list of the best-written video games and see how other franchises are handling adaptations. And if you're looking for more Prime Video content, Spider-Noir is still dominating the platform.
