Prime Video’s new video game series is the perfect reminder of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most underrated talent

Below are spoilers for Secret Level’s New World: The Once And Future King, now streaming on Prime VideoSecret levelArnold Schwarzenegger’s presentation is a great reminder of one of the actor’s greatest talents as a performer. The anthology nature of Secret level allows each episode to tell its own story, with the best experimenting with genre and style to impressive effect. One of the most entertaining episodes of the series is “The Once And Future King”, an adaptation of New World: Aeternum. Set on the island of Aeternum, the game’s universe introduces a mechanic where characters never actually die and can respawn after death.

“The Once And Future King” builds on this premise and delivers some great gags, effectively blending the grandiose action and promise of fantasy adventure with the dry, dark comedy of films like “The Once And Future King.” Groundhog Day or Happy death anniversary. The short wouldn’t work as well without Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role of Aelstrom, a role that seems like a direct parody of roles like Conan the Barbarian that established the actor in the first place. Here’s how Secret levelThe video game adaptation and comedic approach to fantasy benefit from Schwarzenegger’s performance.

Secret Level stars Arnold Schwarzenegger for comedy

Secret level Gives Arnold Schwarzenegger a perfect parody Conan the Barbarian

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance in Secret level is a great reminder of Schwarzenegger’s comic skills. Schwarzenegger plays Aelstrom, a pompous king who has only known a royal life. When he arrives on the island of Aeternum, Aelstrom repeatedly tries to establish himself as ruler, but is killed each time for it. Due to the magical nature of the island, Aelstrom comes back to life after each sinking, but has lost none of his bravery. While this reinforces the episode’s moral about personal growth and development, the episode also leans into the dark and often silly comedy of seeing Aelstrom killed.

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“The Once And Future King” quickly turns Aelstrom’s plight into a punchline, with one montage in particular highlighting how easily Aelstrom can’t keep up with the island’s actual ruler in many forms of combat. Every bout of extreme self-confidence comes with pain and suffering. However, everything in the episode is played for fun, like when Aelstrom takes a second to realize his arm has been cut off, or when he’s killed by chess pieces. There’s a visceral catharsis in watching such a stereotypical looking, hulking warrior get dispatched again and againd, especially because he always believes he has the upper hand.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been quietly hilarious

Schwarzenegger has some pretty great comedies under his belt

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an icon of the screen since his film debut over forty years ago. Schwarzenegger is best known for his roles in action films The Terminator, Conan the BarbarianAnd Predator. However, the actor always had a certain amount of unexpected comic timing. The result is an actor who can be surprisingly confident and goofy when the situation calls for itas in Secret level. His bravery is matched by an unearned confidence that elevates The Once And Future King and ensures audiences don’t feel guilty about his repeated failures.

Schwarzenegger has occasionally had the opportunity to demonstrate his comedic skills, for example in films such as The last action hero, Kindergarten police officer, GeminiAnd Kill Günter everyone benefited from his surprisingly comic timing. Arnold Schwarzenegger knows how to bring laughter to the natural confidence and bravery he brings to his more serious performanceswho offers many strong moments to his comedic roles. It’s one of the actor’s greatest talents that is often overlooked compared to his abilities as an action star. That’s what gives it the focus it gets Secret level all the more worthwhile.

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Secret level

Secret Level is an adult animated series that features original short stories set in the world of popular video games. Each episode introduces new adventures and delves into iconic gaming classics and upcoming titles to unlock compelling narratives and immersive experiences. Created by Tim Miller, the series celebrates gaming culture.

Release date

December 10, 2024

Creator

Tim Miller