Things are finally moving in the grim darkness of the far future. Henry Cavill (The Witcher, Man of Steel) has delivered a substantial update on Amazon’s ‘Warhammer 40,000’ plans, confirming Mike Flanagan is writing the live-action series, United Artists has joined the project, and a separate Deathwatch animated series is also in development.
The update follows several details slipping out ahead of the official announcement, but Cavill says he and producer Natalie Viscuso wanted to wait until deals were finalised before confirming exactly what was happening.
On Flanagan joining the live-action project, Cavill wrote:
“Some news got ahead of us last week, but we wanted to wait a quick beat for the dust to settle, some deals to finalise and, if nothing else, now confirm some rumours!
Firstly, Natalie Viscuso and I are indeed bringing on Mike Flanagan to write the Warhammer live-action series! We have already been working with him to craft the creative, and we’re making some considerable advances in story. As the fans will know, it’s an absolute monster to wrestle but Mike’s extraordinary talents are helping it take form wonderfully.”
It is an interesting creative match. Flanagan is best known for shows including ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, ‘Midnight Mass’ and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, so bringing him into a universe packed with cosmic horror, religious fanaticism, monsters and a generally appalling outlook for humanity seems like a pretty natural fit.
Cavill also confirmed United Artists has joined the production, adding:
“Secondly, yes, we have also brought United Artists into the fold. They have such a deep wellspring of experience and talent that it was an easy decision to partner with them, especially after my experience with them on Highlander.”
Alongside the live-action series, Amazon is also expanding its animated Warhammer plans. Following the Warhammer 40,000 episode of ‘Secret Level’, Cavill confirmed Dave Wilson, John Orloff and Blur Studio are working on a new animated project focused on the Deathwatch.
“Finally, we are also working closely with Dave Wilson, John Orloff and Blur Studio on the newest Secret Level animation which will devote a whole season to Warhammer 40,000. Specifically, The Deathwatch! Dave has proven to be a master at his craft, he’s the lead on the project and we are supporting his titanic efforts and helping things line up with the overall universe plan.”
The animated series is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studios and Games Workshop, and will spin out of ‘Secret Level’. Wilson, who directed the Warhammer episode of the anthology, co-created the project with John Orloff (Masters of the Air), with Wilson also directing.
The story will revolve around the Deathwatch, an elite group of Space Marines who specialise in hunting alien threats. Cavill will executive produce alongside Natalie Viscuso, with ‘Secret Level’ creator Tim Miller also executive producing for Blur Studio.
Perhaps the biggest reassurance for fans, though, is that Cavill has now directly confirmed he is not just producing the live-action ‘Warhammer 40,000’ series. He is still set to lead it on screen.
“Importantly, some of you have been asking if I will still be starring in the lead role in the live-action TV series – rest assured, I most certainly will! Who that character is, however, shall remain a secret for now!”
And that last part will inevitably restart the favourite Warhammer fan pastime of trying to work out exactly who Cavill is playing. For now, however, he is keeping that particular piece of information locked safely inside the Imperial archives.
Cavill summed up the growing collection of projects by saying:
“As a combined force and with the good folks at Games Workshop we are all working tirelessly to bring you the best, most Warhammer universe that you could possibly imagine.”
There is currently no premiere date announced for either the live-action ‘Warhammer 40,000’ series or the Deathwatch animated project.
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