Angel Studios has spotlighted a grim analysis by Newsweek, detailing the catastrophic potential of a Russian R-36M2 missile, also known as SS-18 “Satan”, on major U.S. cities. This missile is a critical component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, with a striking range of up to 10,000 miles and a devastating yield of 20 megatons—over a thousand times stronger than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The potential fallout of just one missile strike in urban America is chilling, with horrific casualty estimates that starkly illustrate both the immediate threat to human life and the enduring consequences of nuclear warfare.
The implications of a missile impact in cities like Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles are particularly severe. For example, in Washington D.C., approximately 6.1 million people would fall within the blast range with an anticipated death toll of 1.64 million. New York City, hosting around 16.3 million residents, could see fatalities rising to over 5.46 million. Chicago and Houston also face dire situations, with projected casualties reaching close to 2 million and over 1.2 million respectively. This dire specter paints a grim picture of urban centers transformed into scenes of unprecedented destruction and loss of life, emphasizing the necessity for a robust understanding of nuclear threats.
Los Angeles, in particular, would encounter one of the most catastrophic outcomes of any potential strike, with around 2.76 million deaths and 4.37 million injuries expected. The analysis from Newsweek utilized maps developed by Alex Wellerstein to assess the extent of destruction, indicating that the fireball radius would vaporize everything within about 15.1 square miles. The moderate blast damage radius would cover roughly 442 square miles, destroying buildings and igniting widespread fires, while thermal radiation could extend up to 2,360 square miles, leaving individuals at risk for severe burns and long-term disabilities.
The article’s terrifying statistics serve to underscore the deadliness of nuclear warfare, with discussions of thermal radiation and blast damage seasoned with the unsettling reassurance that even far-reaching consequences would affect those surviving the immediate impact. Third-degree burns would devastate the skin, often without pain, and the long-term implications of such injuries could lead to extensive medical needs, including amputations and long-term care. Furthermore, the secondary effects of glass shattering and buildings collapsing would further complicate rescue efforts and exacerbate the tragedy.
In light of these discussions, Angel Studios has chosen an alarming backdrop for their upcoming film, “Homestead,” which centers around a nuclear blast scenario in Los Angeles. The choice of plot reflects a stark commentary on current societal fears regarding nuclear conflict and the precarious nature of global security. This film follows the studio’s previous success, “Sounds of Freedom,” which tackled child trafficking and grossed over $250 million against a modest budget, demonstrating the studio’s unique approach to storytelling that highlights urgent social issues.
To engage audiences amidst this harrowing subject matter, Angel Studios is promoting early ticket sales to “Homestead” with incentives like a giveaway for a tiny home and prepper gear, attempting to galvanize support for independent Christian filmmaking that challenges Hollywood’s mainstream narratives. Their campaign not only markets the film but also aims to cultivate a community of viewers keen on exploring serious themes through entertainment. As these filmmakers delve into controversial topics, they tap into the zeitgeist surrounding fears of nuclear warfare, hoping to provoke thought and dialogue around a critical aspect of contemporary life that impacts us all.
