Amazon first revealed in 2022 that they had purchased the rights to the Warhammer 40,000 IP and that they intended to construct an ambitious slate of Warhammer shows, executive produced by Henry Cavill, the fan-favorite actor who portrayed Superman in Zack Snyder's DCEU.
Cavill has also revealed that not only is he leading creative development, he'll also star in the first live-action adaptation of the IP.
During a promotional interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast to promote his role in Argylle, Cavill talked about just how far back his love of Warhammer goes.
Said Cavill, "It is the greatest privilege of my professional career to have this opportunity. I can’t say too much, again, it’s early days still. But to have this opportunity to bring it to screen, and be at the tiller so it can be faithful, is key to me. This is the stuff I’ve been dealing with since I was a kid. This is the stuff I spend my free time daydreaming about, as an adult as well, and I get to bring it into life. There is no greater reason than I joined the industry than doing something like this."
Games Workshop released Warhammer 40,000, sometimes known as Warhammer 40k, a sci-fi tabletop miniature wargame in 1987. It takes place in a grim and foreboding future when supernatural forces and a host of extraterrestrial civilizations wage war with the remnants of humanity.
Over the years Games Workshop expanded the tabletop game IP to include a successful line of science fiction books and video games.
Other than Cavill's involvement, there's not much else known about the project, whether it will be a film or episodic television show although, if Amazon's work on Fallout is any indication, it's likely that its Warhammer 40,000 adaptation will be a television show.
Cavill's latest statement aligns with what the actor has previously shared on the project. "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. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the hard work put in by Vertigo, Amazon and Games Workshop to make this happen. One step closer to making a nigh-on lifelong dream come true."
Previously, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios stated, "Warhammer 40,000 has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world. We are excited to work with Henry, Vertigo Entertainment, and Games Workshop across our Amazon entertainment businesses on this brilliant, immersive franchise for our global customers to experience for years to come."
Games Workshop creative director Andy Smillie has also previously touched on the project, stating, "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!"