Actor Alex Jordan on Warhammer, Fantasy's Reign, and Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War IV as a Dream Project

As the Warhammer universe continues its expansion, its rich narratives and vast content are captivating more individuals. The highly anticipated real-time strategy game, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, is poised to be a significant addition to this legacy.

The Dawn of War series has been a benchmark in its genre for nearly a quarter of a century, enthralling players with its addictive gameplay, compelling stories, and intense action, many of whom discovered or deepened their appreciation for Warhammer 40K through these titles. Among them was a young Alex Jordan, who has since forged a successful career as a voice actor, contributing to notable games such as The Alters, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Crimson Desert, and the recently announced Emberville.

Alex Jordan now takes on the role of Chaplain Ezrael in the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV. He recently spoke with Jason Hon of CGMagazine, sharing insights into his character and his personal connection to the grimdark world of Warhammer 40K.

The Appeal of Fantasy and Sci-Fi

Alex Jordan: I believe fantasy offers an immediate accessibility for everyone. It amplifies everything—consequences, emotions, and situations—dialing them up to create an impactful initial impression that can then be refined with intricate details. This makes fantasy an exceptional medium for quickly conveying messages and fostering understanding. Personally, I consider it the pinnacle of storytelling.

For those who find fantasy inaccessible due to its departure from reality, I argue that great fantasy grounds itself in relatable human experiences. When fantasy is built upon universal truths, it becomes the most potent form of storytelling, irrespective of whether it's science fiction, historical, or high fantasy; it's always an elevated experience.

Art, by its nature, is political, reflecting the artist's viewpoint and conveying experiences that are inherently socio-political. Fantasy, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for engaging audiences with complex themes and fostering discussions without making them feel overly personal or confrontational, due to its inherent detachment from immediate reality.

A Lifelong Warhammer Enthusiast

Alex Jordan: My introduction to Warhammer was through my cousin and his extensive miniature collection, primarily 40K and Space Marines. My father, noticing my interest, took me to a Games Workshop. I used my birthday money to purchase the Bretonnia and Lizardmen starter set, followed by a Bretonnia versus Orcs set, and I was hooked.

I later acquired some 40K miniatures and inherited my cousin's collection. It's been a joy to pass down my old 40K collection to my younger cousins and their children as they've become interested in the hobby, creating a family tradition.

While the miniatures were my entry point, it was the stories and lore beyond the tabletop—found in books and faction handbooks—that kept me engaged. The Dawn of War series, specifically Dawn of War I and II, was instrumental in showing me how narratives could be told within the universe. It's a series that holds significant importance to me as a gamer, highlighting the power of RTS games to deliver compelling storylines.

Cherished Childhood Memories

Alex Jordan: My father and I once built some terrain for our miniatures. We used chicken wire and papier-mâché, painted it, and added flocking and a small river. I remember painting miniatures and setting up scenes on this terrain with my friend Ahmed. We even nicknamed a small hill "Amid's Mound" after spotting a picture of him in the local newspaper from a tennis tournament. These are fond memories of creating scenes with my dad and friend.

Embodying Chaplain Ezrael

Alex Jordan: As a chaplain, my character is a steadfast figure who upholds doctrine and reminds others of their purpose. Chaplains embody the deep religious themes within the Space Marines, serving as conduits to the very ethics of their existence. Voicing Ezrael allowed me to explore a heightened version of a spaceman, delivering a performance filled with zealous commitment. Every line is delivered with purpose and intent, guiding the narrative. It was a truly enjoyable and defining experience in finding the character's voice.

Tips for New Players

Alex Jordan: I highly recommend playing the previous Dawn of War games. The story of the Blood Ravens is excellent, and the expansions offer further narratives. Despite their age, these games hold up remarkably well—the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is over 20 years old, yet it remains a definitive RTS experience. While playing the previous installments will enhance your understanding, Dawn of War IV is designed to be accessible for newcomers to pick up and enjoy.

Securing the Dream Role

Alex Jordan: I auditioned for four roles, recording in what was essentially a converted walk-in wardrobe in a small apartment. The thick concrete walls provided excellent soundproofing, allowing me to deliver my lines at full volume without disturbing neighbors. I was particularly hoping for the chaplain role, and I channeled that zealous, epic voice into all my auditions, consciously dialing everything up to an '11.' It seems this approach led to me being cast as the chaplain, which was my greatest hope.

Untold Warhammer Stories

Alex Jordan: I would love to see more focus on the Salamanders. They represent a more empathetic side within the Warhammer universe, showing compassion for ordinary people. Exploring both ends of the spectrum—the brutal adherence to dogma seen in characters like the Grey Knights, and the compassion of the Salamanders—would offer a more balanced and impactful depiction of the universe, especially for newcomers.

Underrated Past Performances

Alex Jordan: Jan Dolsky in The Alters is a role I'm particularly proud of. I voiced 12 alternate timeline versions of the same character, and later an additional four in the expansion, making a total of 16 distinct versions of one individual. Each had unique personalities and voices, yet all were connected, like branches stemming from the same tree trunk. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope more people discover and enjoy it.

Family's Reaction to Warhammer Stardom

Alex Jordan: My cousin's children, who received my old miniatures, playfully expressed that I'm "everywhere" they look, appearing in things they enjoy. While initially flattering, it has become a running joke. They genuinely love it, and it's incredibly fulfilling to create something that specific loved ones will appreciate.

Whether it's a cartoon for my nephews, a Warhammer project for my cousin's kids, or an audio play for my parents, I always consider who will enjoy it. It's very special to do work that resonates with family.

Memorable Recording Session

Alex Jordan: I have a video of a recording session where my dog was with me in the booth. He desperately wanted to be held while I was delivering intense, epic battle lines. The video captures a moment where I finish a powerful line, holding my dog who had simply flopped into my arms, then nestles his head on my shoulder. It was a touching moment, and I enjoyed delivering these lines while comforting my dog.

It sounds like he approved of your performance.

Alex Jordan: Yes, I received a lick on the cheek, which I interpreted as a director's "good job" note.

The director licked your cheek? I hope that was appropriate.

Alex Jordan: I did report it to HR. Immediately.

Alex Jordan lends his voice to Chaplain Ezrael in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, slated for release on September 17, 2026, for PC via Steam.