No stranger to action adventure and franchises with large and demanding fanbases, the previous ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘The Witcher’ actor will now play an integral part in creating a live-action cinematic universe for the beloved tabletop and video game IP.
When the door to one franchise closes, another opens! While fans are still grieving the loss of Man of Steel 2 with Henry Cavill as Superman, The Witcher actor already has his claws embedded into another big budget cinematic universe. In a surprising Instagram announcement over the weekend, Cavill revealed he will executive produce and star in a Warhammer 40,000 project with Amazon.
Cavill states, “For 30 years I have dreamt of seeing a Warhammer universe in live-action. Now, after 22 years of experience in this industry, I finally feel that I have the skill set and experience to guide a Warhammer Cinematic Universe into life. Partnering with Natalie Viscuso at Vertigo has been a blessing beyond words, without her we might not have found the perfect home at Amazon. And having a home like Amazon will give us the freedom to be true to the massive scope of Warhammer. To all of you Warhammer fans out there, I promise to respect this IP that we love. I promise to bring you something familiar. And I endeavour to bring you something fantastic that is, as of yet, unseen. Our first steps are to find our Filmmaker/Creator/Writer. Watch this space, my friends. For The Emperor!”
Warhammer began as a tabletop game similar to Dungeons & Dragons, and involves detailed miniature models which players can paint themselves. The franchise also boasts over 50 video game titles, beginning with 1987’s Warhammer 40k by Games Workshop. Set 40,000 years into the future, war is waged between humans and a pantheon of foes, including aliens, gods, and demons. Cavill himself is an avid fan of the game and has played for decades.
“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,” Cavill said in a statement. “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.”
Warhammer executive producer and creative director of GAW, Andy Smillie added, “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!”
While no writers or showrunners are currently attached, Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso teamed with Cavill to secure the rights for Amazon. Vertigo will executive produce with Cavill and GAW’s Andy Smillie and Max Bottrill, along with Amazon Studios.
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