In the Grim Darkness of the Far Future, There Is More Astartes

Five years have passed since Syama Pedersen finished Astartes, a series of Warhammer 40,000-inspired fan shorts that took YouTube by storm thanks to their exemplary animation, thrilling action, and pitch-perfect depiction of the game’s “grimdark” aesthetic. When Games Workshop launched their Warhammer TV streaming service, they were quick to snatch up both Astartes and Pedersen.

Not surprisingly, fans have been clamoring for more Astartes ever since, but Pedersen and Games Workshop were relatively quiet on the matter. The Warhammer 40,000 episode of Amazon’s Secret Level, titled “And They Shall Know No Fear,” showed a clear Astartes influence — Pedersen worked on the episode, in fact, as a layout artist — which only increased the buzz. And now, he’s delivered.

Put simply, the first teaser for Astartes II looks awesome, with scenes of Space Marines from different Chapters taking on various foes, including Tyranids and Orks. However, these scenes aren’t actually from the upcoming series. Rather, they’re “a compilation of shots that represent the former lives of the characters that will appear in the show,” according to the official announcement. Actual story details are non-existent so far, but the teaser’s opening and closing shots strongly suggest that Astartes II will focus on the Deathwatch, an elite Chapter of Space Marines dedicated to battling alien threats to humanity.

Sadly, Astartes II won’t be released until 2026, at which point, it’ll presumably be released on Warhammer TV alongside the original Astartes.

In related news, Pedersen has relaunched his own YouTube channel, titled “Digital Bones,” which will feature new and original work. Watch the channel relaunch teaser, which hints at a pair of really cool-looking projects titled Yatra and Project Valhalla. More details can be found on Pedersen’s Patreon page, including plans to turn the projects into video games as well as animated series.