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Warhammer 40K fans have been clamoring for a live action movie or TV series for decades, with little movement, despite the IPs growing popularity. Now, it seems that Hollywood has finally set its sights on the grimdark 41st millennium, thanks in large part to actor Henry Cavill and Amazon Studios.
But just how soon can we expect the series to appear on a screen near you? Below, we break out everything we know to date when it comes to the new Warhammer 40K show.
What is the Status of the Amazon Warhammer 40K show?
So far the Amazon Warhammer 40K show is in the early stages of development. What we do know is that Games Workshop has signed a contract with Amazon to produce potential TV series and films, and has begun the process of assembling a team of screenwriters.
In their official press release, Games Workshop notes that: “TV and Film production is a mammoth undertaking. It’s not unusual for projects to take two to three years from this point before something arrives on screen. Still, things are now properly rolling, and you can bet we’ll bring you all the latest updates and cool snippets as soon as we’re able.”
GW’s official investors statement also offers a bit more insight into the process noting that: “Games Workshop and Amazon will work together for a period of 12 months to agree creative guidelines for the films and television series to be developed by Amazon. The agreement will only proceed once the creative guidelines are mutually agreed between Games Workshop and Amazon.”
Collectively, this means that while the process has begun, it’s still very early days and there’s no guarantee that anything will actually be produced (there are literally countless film and television projects that have ended up in development hell).
Still, it’s hopeful first step to making a Warhammer 40K show a reality.
How is Henry Cavill involved in the new Warhammer 40K show?
Actor Henry Cavill has long touted his love of Warhammer 40K, and is no stranger to getting popular geek franchises off the ground. Case in point: he was a massive fan of the Witcher video games, actively petitioning for the lead role of Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher series.
As a Hollywood A-lister, Cavill clearly has both production clout and potential star power that investors at both Amazon and Games Workshop are likely going to be looking for.
In a now viral Instagram post released last year, Cavill offered a little more insight into the process.
As part of the deal with Amazon and Games Workshop, Cavill will both star in and executive produce any Warhammer 40K TV series and films. Cavill’s longtime girlfriend and noted Hollywood producer Natalie Viscuso, will also be involved in the project.
More recently, in an interview with Collider, Cavill briefly discussed the status of the project, noting that “Warhammer is progressing very well. “Big things are happening, and we are very excited.” This suggest that the show is indeed closer to becoming a reality.
It’s clear that this is more than just a job role Cavill, and his love of the game and the Warhammer 40K universe was likely a key factor in getting the project off the ground.
What is the new Amazon Warhammer 40K show going to be about?
Amazon clearly has deep pockets, as the case with their Lord of the Rings Rings of Power series, which is believed to have cost over $465 million to produce. While it’s not likely that Amazon is willing to break the bank again with a Warhammer 40K show, the studio definitely has budget to work with in terms of bringing a vast universe to life.
While story details are still in development, one recurring fan theory online is that it will be a live action TV series based of the popular Eisenhorn book series. If you’re not familiar with those novels, they’re written by longtime Warhammer 40K contributor Dan Abnett and follow the exploits of Gregor Eisenhorn, a legendary psyker and Inquisitor with the Ordo Xenos who is tasked with hunting down alien threats to the Imperium.
It’s also possible that the producers may turn to other source materials or create an entirely new storyline. With such a massive amount of Warhammer 40K lore to draw on, the possibilities are nearly limitless.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing to see that a potential Warhammer 40K show is actually being developed. And while it’s still early days, the fact that Amazon, Games Workshop and Henry Cavill are all moving ahead, is extremely promising.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this story in the days ahead and will update this page as new information is made available.
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Zachary Birch lives in Medford, Massachusetts and has been a dedicated war gamer for over 15 years, playing pretty much ever system under the sun. Orks remain his favorite Warhammer 40K army (because nothing beats stomping gits into the ground). He also enjoys playing video games, reading, playing the guitar and shouting “WAAAGH!” at inappropriate times.
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