Warhammer

Although a huge fan of tabletop (and card) games Warhammer has escaped my radar for years now. In fact, my first introduction to the Warhammer universe was last year’s article in a British newspaper. And yes, I was (and still am) a Dixit fan for quite some time, now. Oh, and a D&D fan too. But not that long ago, I read an article in the Guardian titled ‘Heroin for middle-class nerds’: how Warhammer conquered gaming“.  And it got me intrigued, I must admit.

Warhammer

Furthermore, the article noted the financial success of the game which was invented some roughly 40 years before. And how it appealed to the new generations of devotees. Students and regular Joe’s share fanatical devotion to the Warhammer universe, but I’m not here about them. I’m here about the opposite. The celebrities that worship the game as well. You probably didn’t even know that these celebrities are fans of Warhammer but you’re about to find out. Stick around this post. You might actually gain another perspective on these people.

Some Of My Favorites (D&D and Dixit)

Exploring The Basics Of Warhammer

However, I couldn’t go any further with this post without mentioning the basics of the Warhammer universe. In essence, Warhammer is a tabletop miniature wargame with a medieval fantasy theme. It also simulates battles between armies from different factions. In addition to the tabletop miniature, two or more players compete with “armies” of 25 mm – 250 mm tall heroic miniatures. And although the gameplay is mostly based on medieval warfare, it incorporates fantasy elements. Such as wizards, dragons, and magical spells. The Warhammer setting is inspired by the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, Poul Anderson and Michael Moorcock, but Reaper is considered the ancestor of Warhammer Fantasy Battle.

The Warhammer Video Games Are Cool As Well

And as you can probably tell, we do have plenty of Warhammer games here at IndieGala. A lot of video games in fact, and it’s up to you to scroll and pick the best one for you. Chaosbone Which Hunter, Vermintide, Warhammer 40.000, End Times- Vermintide and so many others.  Check them out here.

Let’s take Warhammer: Chaosbane as an example. The most recent of the Warhammer games. Developed by Eko Software, and published by Bigben Interactive, Chaosbane is an interesting action, adventure RPG. In a world ravaged by war and dominated by magic, you are the last hope for the Empire of Man against the Chaos hordes. Playing solo or with up to 4 in local or online co-op, choose a hero from 4 character classes. With unique and complementary skills no less. And of course, prepare for epic battles wielding some of the most powerful artifacts of the Old World.

Warhammer
Let’s play Warhammer: Chaosbane

I grabbed this game on sale, and enjoyed it, maxed out 3 classes so far and played around with the different end-game builds available….as someone whose played pretty much every ARPG out there, this definitely deserves more than Mixed ratings on here, not sure why people are being so harsh. Said Ellex on Steam.

While Ictoan said: A solid ARPG with a decent amount of customization. The multiplayer seems to work well although I don’t have a lot of time in that mode.

What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know.

But back to the topic at hand. Which are some of the most famous fans of Warhammer? Regardless if it’s the tabletop games or video games? Let’s find out. Shall we?

Some of the Warhammer: Chaosbane stills

Robin Williams

Probably the No.1 fan of Warhammer and frequent visitor of the game stores, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. The one and only, Robin Williams. And in my research, I found countless pieces of evidence that not only he was a fanatic about collecting Warhammer 40.000 memorabilia, but he was even a fan of the Orks too. Oh, and on a Reddit AMA back in 2013, he admitted that not only he plays Warhammer, but he collects armies of Warhammer as well. But, while going deeper into this part of the story, I found endearing and touching evidence of how great a man Robin Williams was.

Furthermore, he was down to Earth, kind with the salespeople and generally with the fans he encountered. Not to mention he would take every opportunity to chat with fans about Warhammer and was a true sweetheart to everyone. Another reason to miss him don’t you think? I know I still miss his infectious laugh and his enormous talent, and I’m just a fan. And even though I write about celebrities and movies on a daily basis, I don’t particularly care about their personal life. But I must admit I wept for solid 45 minutes after I found out about his death. That one really hurt.

  • Robin

Henry Cavil

A true nerd with a capital N. That’s Henry Cavil all right. And I already discussed his gaming obsession in a previous post. But up until my Warhammer research, I never understood how big of a Warhammer fan he really is. Forget about collecting and actually playing the game. Henry goes a step further and actually paints a Custodes helmet miniatures. And he even documented the progress on his Instagram page. Indeed, Henry is a bonafide A-list star, but a true nerd at heart. And he can even put together a decent gaming computer in no-time. But his miniature painting is on point as well. It’s hard to be precise and meticulous with a tiny brush, but he can really pull it off.

Warhammer
Henry Cavil’s obsession

Ansel Elgort

Ah, Baby Driver! He’s another one that loves Warhammer, and just like Henry, he pains miniature figurines too. Oh, and if you’re particularly interested in this story there’s a hilarious/cringe-worthy interview of Ansel at Conan about it. He details his obsession with Warhammer and his love for painting the figurines.  But as I dug deeper, I found out that he plays Warhammer 40.000 as well. Not just paints the figurines, and he uses his passion for the game as a pick-up line. Or a deal-breaker for any potential relationships. Whatever you want to call it. Check the interview below.

Ansel
Yes, you did!

Billy Crystal

Here’s another devotee that you have Robin Williams to thank. Billy Crystal. In fact, Robin Williams got Billy Crystal into Warhammer on the set of Father’s Day. And they’d play the game between takes of the long shooting schedule. Not to mention, Robin Williams once shut down a gaming store in British Columbia to play privately. And then made his figurines talk using his “old Jewish man” voice.

But I should probably add one other actor here, just because it’s related to Robin as well. And similarly to the story of Billy as well. Kirsten Dunst. Yes, both Robin and Kirsten played in the 90’s cult movie Jumanji, and it was the same story. Robin introduced Warhammer to young Kirsten while shooting the Jumanji movie, and turned another actor into a massive fan. Fun fact: She’s a fan of Wood Elves from Warhammer Fantasy, and I like that about her. True story.

Warhammer
Robin and Billy

Brian May

Have you heard of D-Rok? Well, D-Rock was a British hard rock band notable for its Warhammer 40,000-influenced lyrics. However, D-Rok owes some of the popularity to May. Or to the fact that Brian May, guitarist of Queen played on two of the songs (“Get out of My Way” and “Red Planet Blues”). In an interview with Kerrang! Magazine, lead singer Sigh explained that May had visited a Games Workshop store with his son. Also, he met the band, and offered his services. Furthermore, Sigh went on to say that May had not been offended when he was asked to tune up his guitar before recording his parts. And apparently, was the nicest rock star he had ever met. Now that’s a true rock star, don’t you think?

Which Fan of Warhammer Would You Add Here?

Perhaps Vin Diesel? Bill Murray, Sylvester Stallone, Ed Sheeran, Gary Oldman are also fans. Kevin Smith, Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and even Philip Seymour Hoffmann and Dustin Hoffman are fans of Warhammer as well. Albeit unconfirmed. Which ones would you add? Let us know in the comment section.

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