The streaming giant has procured the rights to the miniature war game from Games Workshop. Henry Cavill is a huge Warhammer 40k fan. This is a natural.
Henry Cavill may be suddenly out of the Superman business, thanks to a perhaps brash decision by DC Studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, but it looks like he’s getting a new role that’s arguably even geekier than wearing that red cape. Cavill, a huge fan of the Warhammer 40,000 game franchise, may well be getting his shot at starring in a TV series based on the game at Amazon. Amazon has secured the rights to the game, produced by Games Workshop (trading as GAW on the London stock exchange), after months of negotiations and fending off rival companies that were also vying for the right.
Cavill himself will be producing and starring.
“It’s great news and we’re absolutely thrilled; we’re working with a fantastic triumvirate in Henry, Vertigo, and Amazon. Henry’s well-known love of Warhammer 40,000—and his passion as a world-builder and storyteller—will serve us all well in the coming years. Finally, Warhammer will make it to the screen as the fans have hoped, and as they deserve. Exciting times!” said Andy Smillie, creative director of Games Workshop.
Warhammer 40,000 is played with miniatures on tabletop game boards, frequently featuring ornate models and battlefield details. It has become the most popular miniature war game in the world and has spawned many imitators.
The game’s setting is 40,000 years into the future where things are dark indeed. Human civilization has stopped progressing and is in an unending war with aliens and magical beings, with gods and demons figuring into a theological class system.
The humans make up the Imperium of Man, who are both militaristic and bound by religion and mysticism. A race of skeleton-like androids are known as the Necron; there is an elvish race known as Aeldari as well as Orks; Tyranids are nasty aliens; and the T’au is a blue-skinned alien race that may offer some hope.
They’ve only just tied things down over at Amazon, so they’re not ready to roll just yet, but unless things suddenly go unexpectedly sour, the show idea has all the elements be truly epic.
Cavill himself is stoked.
“I have loved Warhammer since I was a boy, making this moment truly special for me. The opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception is quite the honour and the responsibility,” said Cavill. “I couldn’t be more grateful for all the hard work put in by Vertigo, Amazon Studios and Games Workshop to make this happen. One step closer to making a nigh on lifelong dream come true.”
We’ll miss Cavill as the Man of Steel, and as Geralt of Rivia, but this? Yeah. We’re totally on board.
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