Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way

**Wintermute** · 04-10-2009, 13:48

Codex Pictures have announced production of Ultramarines, the first feature film to be based upon Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k. If you don’t know what 40k is then it seems, somewhat surprisingly, that you aren’t quite as geeky as me. Simply put, it’s a tabletop wargame, as played with little miniature figurines and dice of many sides. Created in the late 80s as a spacey shooty spin off to a trolls and goblins original, Warhammer Fantasy Battle, the 40k version seems to have developed a following all its own and, at least whenever I walk by the local Games Workshop store, seems to be getting played at least as much as its ‘classic’ swords and sorcery ancestor.

The film has a freshly minted official site, but there’s nothing much to see yet. Meanwhile, Codex Pictures have a press release page that tells us how “hugely honoured” they are to be making the film, and similar puffy fluff.

The game’s mythology is obviously geared to little more than providing context for violent and often epic confrontations. The hero characters, such as they are, are massive great genetically modified marines, Hulk scaled and armour clad and equipped with some seriously tasty boomsticks. They’re all happy to kill and die in service of the Emperor (sounds… familiar…).

Meanwhile, there are other species cluttering up the Milky Way and lining up to be bashed around a bit. These include the Eldar, essentially space elves, and the Orks who are, to all intents and purposes, Orcs. There’s also a hive-mind species called the Tyranids and some nasty things called Necrons who are living creatures made of metal and therefore (though obviously I don’t mean this literally) rock hard. Quite which of these will be turning up and getting shot at in Ultramarines is, so far, anybody’s guess.

If ever there was a film that had direct to DVD written all over it, its this one. Niche market. Having said that, I know an awful lot of people who’d never dream of touching a 28mm lead model but would like to see a movie full of epic space smackdowns just like this, so just maybe its a breakout waiting to happen.

From Live For Films via Hey U Guys

Art Is Resistance · 04-10-2009, 15:19

Weird, I thought there was a thread on this already, but I can't find it..?

AS was said there by many, it depends on the quality of the CGI that will make or break this - it could be good (If it's the quality of say Captain Scarlett or Dan Dare were at the time they were released) or dire (I'm looking at you Dragonlance the movie!).

Of course, according to some who obviously have crystal balls, this is going to be bad n matter what - oh to be a seer!

Dalanshin · 04-10-2009, 16:16

I forsee it will be one of many failed attempts to put 40k on the big screen.

I hope I am wrong, and that it is awesome, and that people all around the world will flock to see it...

I am not a big 40k nut, but it is DEFINITELY good film material (if somewhat borrwoed and recycled from previous works of sci-fi).

Everytime I see the cinematic intro to Dawn of War, I go crazy!! I hope it approaches that kind of greatness.

Condottiere · 04-10-2009, 16:19

It's in 40K General.

Bregalad · 04-10-2009, 16:47

Thread is here in "40k General":
http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222438

**Wintermute** · 04-10-2009, 18:00

I've closed the thread in 40K General.

Wintermute

Templar Ben · 04-10-2009, 19:06

As I said in the other thread, this could be a great opportunity for GW. I hope they do have an "extras" section on the DVD where they show the game that it is based on as well as a web page dedicated to the movie. It should help people that don't know the game but thought the Ultramarines were pretty cool get started with cheap sets (perhaps AoBR if it is UM vs Orks in the movie) with scenarios that they can download and play out the movie.

Naturally this is not something that they can milk as hard as LotR but that is good. GW got "fat and lazy" with LotR money and this is not going to be nearly that successful.

GW needs to treat this as a way to get a wider audience for their products and not as a cool movie for the existing customers. Not that existing customers won't like the movie but GW should try to get this into the hands of as many people as possible in hopes that they will want to learn more (and pick up some BL books, UM models, and lots of other GW brand stuff).

canucklhead · 04-10-2009, 19:57

This is the direction that GW always needed to go in with this idea. A straight to DVD feature length, bugger the long explanation for audiences that have no idea what this is about. Make it for the existing fans, let us use it as recruiting material, 'hey check out the cool movie I got. You know those weird toy sodiers I have? This is a movie about them.'

Then pitch a sci fi network, or Teletoon, or it's EU equivalent to pick up a series like the Clone Wars.

fiore hellheart · 04-10-2009, 20:04

Originally Posted by canucklhead

Then pitch a sci fi network, or Teletoon, or it's EU equivalent to pick up a series like the Clone Wars.

Wow, never thought of this but a series revolving about a group of guard or marines during a planetry invasion would be awsome.

CraftworldsRus · 04-10-2009, 21:01

You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death.

rich1231 · 04-10-2009, 21:48

I think most 40k fans will hate any film produced.

The minute attention to detail the fans have will never be able to be replicated in a feature film that needs to make money. The things that will hearten the real 40k fans will not appeal to general audiences.

**starlight** · 04-10-2009, 21:59

Starship Troopers: Roughnecks...? That wasn't too bad, then there was the extensive CGI in ST3, so there is hope in the hinterlands that GW *might* pull this off...

...however I'm putting my money on something far closer to Dawn of War than the tabletop...

Culgore · 04-10-2009, 22:09

I am really excited. I think if they do some baller marketing this can hit a mainstream market. Really just look at the repetitive movies that get made and people just continue to see them. Take X-Men Movies. I know this has had a big following prior to the movies, and I like them all but man, that last one just got ridiculous, EVERYTHING BLOWS UP, and if my research is correct, they made 200,000,000 net. I mean how many times can you watch wolverine stab things with his claws. I know this is kinda disjointed, just got back from a weekend in the cold rain. I love the WH:40K storyline, absolutely amazing, I recanted it to a friend of mine and he immediately was playing the game (albeit after I tried to dissuade him by telling him it was all about paying amazing amounts of money for 2.5 inch tall pieces of plastic and metal). I hope this project succeeds.

Random Integer · 04-10-2009, 22:18

Originally Posted by CraftworldsRus

You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death.

I would genuinely laugh my ass off if that were the case. I can only imagine the meltdown levels of nerd rage it would cause.

In other news if they can make something even a fraction as atmospheric as the Halo ODST trailer I will be a happy bunny.

Templar Ben · 05-10-2009, 00:59

Originally Posted by rich1231

I think most 40k fans will hate any film produced.

The minute attention to detail the fans have will never be able to be replicated in a feature film that needs to make money. The things that will hearten the real 40k fans will not appeal to general audiences.

That is all the more reason to try to simply make a good movie and not worry as much about keeping the fanbois happy.

rustypaladin · 05-10-2009, 06:01

Looking at the website, this movie will be 70 min. long and go straight to DVD.

Codex Pictures also made the Bionical movie. I havn't seen that so I don't know if this is good or bad

Vesica · 05-10-2009, 06:38

Originally Posted by CraftworldsRus

You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death.

As much as i hate UM, i would pay to see that just because i know the sheer amount of rage from the eldar players would be enough to bring Khorne into existence

.

As i said in the other thread, hopefully it will do well enough that GW will make more films.

Originally Posted by rustypaladin

Codex Pictures also made the Bionical movie. I havn't seen that so I don't know if this is good or bad

It actually looked pretty good, if you ignore the characters (who look crap because they are meant to look like the toys) everything else was good, especially for a film done 2/3 year ago.

Melchiah · 05-10-2009, 06:45

@ Starlight; Didnt I tell you last week, Direct to DVD.

Condottiere · 05-10-2009, 08:06

Seventy minutes means it probably be an all-out action film, not that Marines have much angst.

genestealer_baldric · 05-10-2009, 08:56

Originally Posted by Vesica

As much as i hate UM, i would pay to see that just because i know the sheer amount of rage from the eldar players would be enough to bring Khorne into existence

.

It would in reality produce a god that makes khorne look like a grumpy teenager.

Originally Posted by Melchiah

@ Starlight; Didnt I tell you last week, Direct to DVD.

it didnt seem so clear cut when we spoke to the guys at gamesday, they may put it into cinemas i dont think its been confirmed either way yet.

04-10-2009, 13:48	#1
Wintermute Big Scary Robot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cyberspace Posts: 8,175 iTrader: (0)	Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Codex Pictures have announced production of Ultramarines, the first feature film to be based upon Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k. If you don’t know what 40k is then it seems, somewhat surprisingly, that you aren’t quite as geeky as me. Simply put, it’s a tabletop wargame, as played with little miniature figurines and dice of many sides. Created in the late 80s as a spacey shooty spin off to a trolls and goblins original, Warhammer Fantasy Battle, the 40k version seems to have developed a following all its own and, at least whenever I walk by the local Games Workshop store, seems to be getting played at least as much as its ‘classic’ swords and sorcery ancestor. The film has a freshly minted official site, but there’s nothing much to see yet. Meanwhile, Codex Pictures have a press release page that tells us how “hugely honoured” they are to be making the film, and similar puffy fluff. The game’s mythology is obviously geared to little more than providing context for violent and often epic confrontations. The hero characters, such as they are, are massive great genetically modified marines, Hulk scaled and armour clad and equipped with some seriously tasty boomsticks. They’re all happy to kill and die in service of the Emperor (sounds… familiar…). Meanwhile, there are other species cluttering up the Milky Way and lining up to be bashed around a bit. These include the Eldar, essentially space elves, and the Orks who are, to all intents and purposes, Orcs. There’s also a hive-mind species called the Tyranids and some nasty things called Necrons who are living creatures made of metal and therefore (though obviously I don’t mean this literally) rock hard. Quite which of these will be turning up and getting shot at in Ultramarines is, so far, anybody’s guess. If ever there was a film that had direct to DVD written all over it, its this one. Niche market. Having said that, I know an awful lot of people who’d never dream of touching a 28mm lead model but would like to see a movie full of epic space smackdowns just like this, so just maybe its a breakout waiting to happen. From Live For Films via Hey U Guys __________________ Originally Posted by philbrad As ever WINTERMUTE speaks the truth Just who is The Voice? Last edited by Wintermute; 05-10-2009 at 19:39.

04-10-2009, 15:19	#2
Art Is Resistance Librarian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tamworth UK Posts: 482 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Weird, I thought there was a thread on this already, but I can't find it..? AS was said there by many, it depends on the quality of the CGI that will make or break this - it could be good (If it's the quality of say Captain Scarlett or Dan Dare were at the time they were released) or dire (I'm looking at you Dragonlance the movie!). Of course, according to some who obviously have crystal balls, this is going to be bad n matter what - oh to be a seer! __________________ It's not big and it's definatley not clever - must be another Gdub bashing thread!

04-10-2009, 16:16	#3
Dalanshin Chaplain Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nyack, NY Posts: 170 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way I forsee it will be one of many failed attempts to put 40k on the big screen. I hope I am wrong, and that it is awesome, and that people all around the world will flock to see it... I am not a big 40k nut, but it is DEFINITELY good film material (if somewhat borrwoed and recycled from previous works of sci-fi). Everytime I see the cinematic intro to Dawn of War, I go crazy!! I hope it approaches that kind of greatness. __________________ The Valley of Isk: Nikolai's Miniatures BLOG http://valleyofisk.blogspot.com/ Kung Fu Tea House http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165878

04-10-2009, 16:19	#4
Condottiere Chapter Master Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 11,429 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way It's in 40K General. __________________ Quote Why do they hate us? They treat us like dogs. Sentients for the Ethical Treatment of Mercenaries For glory, God and gold And The Virginia Company Quote Current Dogs of War project Current Nippon project Space Wolferine

04-10-2009, 16:47	#5
Bregalad Chapter Master Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sa'cea Posts: 7,623 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Thread is here in "40k General": http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222438 __________________ Gundam Apocalypse Tau project: http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115397 Tyranid army: http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103210 Necron terrain: http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113578 Originally Posted by Light of the Emperor Thank you Bregalad, Warseer's Master of the Links.

04-10-2009, 18:00	#6
Wintermute Big Scary Robot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cyberspace Posts: 8,175 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way I've closed the thread in 40K General. Wintermute __________________ Originally Posted by philbrad As ever WINTERMUTE speaks the truth Just who is The Voice?

04-10-2009, 19:06	#7
Templar Ben Chapter Master Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,175 iTrader: (1)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way As I said in the other thread, this could be a great opportunity for GW. I hope they do have an "extras" section on the DVD where they show the game that it is based on as well as a web page dedicated to the movie. It should help people that don't know the game but thought the Ultramarines were pretty cool get started with cheap sets (perhaps AoBR if it is UM vs Orks in the movie) with scenarios that they can download and play out the movie. Naturally this is not something that they can milk as hard as LotR but that is good. GW got "fat and lazy" with LotR money and this is not going to be nearly that successful. GW needs to treat this as a way to get a wider audience for their products and not as a cool movie for the existing customers. Not that existing customers won't like the movie but GW should try to get this into the hands of as many people as possible in hopes that they will want to learn more (and pick up some BL books, UM models, and lots of other GW brand stuff).

04-10-2009, 19:57	#8
canucklhead Librarian Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 360 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way This is the direction that GW always needed to go in with this idea. A straight to DVD feature length, bugger the long explanation for audiences that have no idea what this is about. Make it for the existing fans, let us use it as recruiting material, 'hey check out the cool movie I got. You know those weird toy sodiers I have? This is a movie about them.' Then pitch a sci fi network, or Teletoon, or it's EU equivalent to pick up a series like the Clone Wars. __________________ Quote It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that Space Marine excrement can be used as a potent explosive. There's plenty of room for all of God's creatures. Right next to the mashed potatoes.

04-10-2009, 20:04	#9
fiore hellheart Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 256 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Originally Posted by canucklhead Then pitch a sci fi network, or Teletoon, or it's EU equivalent to pick up a series like the Clone Wars. Wow, never thought of this but a series revolving about a group of guard or marines during a planetry invasion would be awsome. __________________ We want You Reaver titan templates here clicky clicky clicky clicky

04-10-2009, 21:01	#10
CraftworldsRus Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 183 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death. __________________ Originally Posted by sigur There's so many people in the world that it is statistically impossible that there are not many people who are ninjas who shoot laser beams from their eyes. If Slannesh is the God of Sex, why is it Tzeentch that has a thousand sons?

04-10-2009, 21:48	#11
rich1231 Wayland Games Owner Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Essex Posts: 191 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way I think most 40k fans will hate any film produced. The minute attention to detail the fans have will never be able to be replicated in a feature film that needs to make money. The things that will hearten the real 40k fans will not appeal to general audiences. __________________ Webstore: http://www.WaylandGames.co.uk Ebay Store: http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Wayland-Games Space Wolves, Space Wolves, Get your Space Wolves here: http://www.waylandgames.co.uk/pre-or...s/cat_387.html Skaven Pre orders here: http://www.waylandgames.co.uk/pre-or...n/cat_435.html

04-10-2009, 21:59	#12
starlight Scout Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Paradise, Canada Rank: I are Serious Cat! Chaplain: Astrum Lux Lucis starlight - it's for girls! Posts: 14,097 iTrader: (10)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Starship Troopers: Roughnecks...? That wasn't too bad, then there was the extensive CGI in ST3, so there is hope in the hinterlands that GW might pull this off... ...however I'm putting my money on something far closer to Dawn of War than the tabletop... __________________ If you love a Redhead, set Her free...if She follows you everywhere, pitches a tent in your front lawn and your new girlfriend disappears, you belong to Her, get used to it . *What you say about other people, says far more about you* than it does about other people.** Got Rumour...?

04-10-2009, 22:09	#13
Culgore Brother Sergeant Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 46 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way I am really excited. I think if they do some baller marketing this can hit a mainstream market. Really just look at the repetitive movies that get made and people just continue to see them. Take X-Men Movies. I know this has had a big following prior to the movies, and I like them all but man, that last one just got ridiculous, EVERYTHING BLOWS UP, and if my research is correct, they made 200,000,000 net. I mean how many times can you watch wolverine stab things with his claws. I know this is kinda disjointed, just got back from a weekend in the cold rain. I love the WH:40K storyline, absolutely amazing, I recanted it to a friend of mine and he immediately was playing the game (albeit after I tried to dissuade him by telling him it was all about paying amazing amounts of money for 2.5 inch tall pieces of plastic and metal). I hope this project succeeds. __________________ <---------- Misses the old chaos codex...

04-10-2009, 22:18	#14
Random Integer Brother Sergeant Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Originally Posted by CraftworldsRus You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death. I would genuinely laugh my ass off if that were the case. I can only imagine the meltdown levels of nerd rage it would cause. In other news if they can make something even a fraction as atmospheric as the Halo ODST trailer I will be a happy bunny.

05-10-2009, 00:59	#15
Templar Ben Chapter Master Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,175 iTrader: (1)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Originally Posted by rich1231 I think most 40k fans will hate any film produced. The minute attention to detail the fans have will never be able to be replicated in a feature film that needs to make money. The things that will hearten the real 40k fans will not appeal to general audiences. That is all the more reason to try to simply make a good movie and not worry as much about keeping the fanbois happy.

05-10-2009, 06:01	#16
rustypaladin Scout Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Looking at the website, this movie will be 70 min. long and go straight to DVD. Codex Pictures also made the Bionical movie. I havn't seen that so I don't know if this is good or bad

05-10-2009, 06:38	#17
Vesica Chapter Master Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Baal Posts: 1,297 iTrader: (0)	Originally Posted by CraftworldsRus You know, it would be just like GW to make the movie about the battle for Orar's tomb, in which Calgar punches the Avatar to death. As much as i hate UM, i would pay to see that just because i know the sheer amount of rage from the eldar players would be enough to bring Khorne into existence . As i said in the other thread, hopefully it will do well enough that GW will make more films. Originally Posted by rustypaladin Codex Pictures also made the Bionical movie. I havn't seen that so I don't know if this is good or bad It actually looked pretty good, if you ignore the characters (who look crap because they are meant to look like the toys) everything else was good, especially for a film done 2/3 year ago. __________________ Obsidian Sons - Blood Angel Successors W-0/L-0/D-0 Purge the Xeno!!!! Last edited by starlight; 05-10-2009 at 06:41. Reason: dp

05-10-2009, 06:45	#18
Melchiah Chapter Master Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Teh Stikz (Nanaimo), BC, Canada Posts: 1,958 iTrader: (5)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way @ Starlight; Didnt I tell you last week, Direct to DVD. __________________ Resident Horror Punk Looking for Flocking advice, PM me if you can help. Zombies!! Candy is good in the mouf This gets funnier each time I watch it! My Log Update 03/10/'09. My Trade Thread Updated 03/10/'09 My Eldar List Quote Here's an important public service announcement: Don't feed the Yao Guai. That is all.

05-10-2009, 08:06	#19
Condottiere Chapter Master Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 11,429 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Seventy minutes means it probably be an all-out action film, not that Marines have much angst. __________________ Quote Why do they hate us? They treat us like dogs. Sentients for the Ethical Treatment of Mercenaries For glory, God and gold And The Virginia Company Quote Current Dogs of War project Current Nippon project Space Wolferine

05-10-2009, 08:56	#20
genestealer_baldric Chapter Master Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Moved onto eating ventris head off Posts: 1,248 iTrader: (0)	Re: Warhammer 40k Feature Film Ultramarines Coming Our Way Originally Posted by Vesica As much as i hate UM, i would pay to see that just because i know the sheer amount of rage from the eldar players would be enough to bring Khorne into existence . It would in reality produce a god that makes khorne look like a grumpy teenager. Originally Posted by Melchiah @ Starlight; Didnt I tell you last week, Direct to DVD. it didnt seem so clear cut when we spoke to the guys at gamesday, they may put it into cinemas i dont think its been confirmed either way yet. __________________ Originally Posted by Writerski7 You mean the cake is a lie!? You . . . You . . . But I like cake!!! Originally Posted by Lothlanathorian Then I've no idea how to explain that Iron Hands ignore psychic powers other than they stick their fingers in their ears and go 'Nyah nyah you can't hurt me' and the psyker is thoroughly demoralised and cries to himself when you aren't looking.

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