Henry Cavill Announces Plans to Develop a Warhammer Cinematic Universe Across Films and TV in Partnership With Amazon

Henry Cavill announced on Instagram that he’s building a Warhammer Cinematic Universe in partnership with Amazon.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Imperium

After a meeting with DC Studios head James Gunn, Cavill and Gunn announced that he would not be returning to the role of Superman in Gunn’s new vision for the DC Universe.

Cavill wrote on Instagram, “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life.”

“The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest fortunes,” Cavill continued.

Henry Cavill as Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Bros. Entertainment

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He then stated, “For those who have been by my side through the years….we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember…. Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there!”

“My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards,” Cavill concluded.

Henry Cavill Instagram

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A day later, The Ankler editor Jeff Sneider appeared on  YouTuber John Rocha’s channel where he claimed Cavill would be working on a Warhammer 40,000 project with Amazon.

Sneider relayed, “Yesterday morning, I get an email from a source I haven’t heard from in awhile, but who was always accurate in the past. It said ‘Sounds like Amazon is buying the rights to Warhammer 40k and maybe attaching Henry Cavill to star in his next big post-The Witcher role.”

He then added the caveat, “This is all unconfirmed though.”

He later reiterated this scoop on Twitter writing, “I’m hearing that AMAZON is making a play for the rights to WARHAMMER 40K and trying to attach Henry Cavill to star.”

Jeff Sneider via Twitter

The Hollywood Reporter would then report, “Amazon has secured the rights to the game, produced by Games Workshop, after months of negotiations and fending off rival companies that also sought the rights. This is envisioned as a potential film and TV play.”

They further detailed, “Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso teamed with Cavill to secure the rights and deliver it to Amazon. Vertigo will executive produce with Cavill and GAW’s Andy Smillie and Max Bottrill, along with Amazon Studios.”

Warhammer 40,000 Codex: Space Marines

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Cavill confirmed the reports and rumors taking to his Instagram to announce, “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,” Cavill continued.

He concluded, “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.”

A press release from Games Workshop also further detailed that the deal “encompasses rights to the universe across series, film, and more, and will sit alongside GAW’s activities as they continue to make the best miniatures in the world.”

The press release also confirms that Cavill will “star in and executive produce the Warhammer 40,000 franchise across all Amazon Studios productions.”

Warhammer 40,000 “Realm of Chaos: Wrath and Rapture..” Art by Jamie Martinez.

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For those unfamiliar with Warhammer 40,000 a brief synopsis from the press release explains, “Warhammer 40,000 is set in the far future, where humanity stands at the edge of what might be its brightest future, or its darkest age.”

It adds, “The threats to humankind’s empire are many — traitors driven by the fires of ambition, alien empires sworn to reclaim the stars, and the corruption of reality by malevolent gods. ”

Warhammer 40,000 XV Legion

Games Workshop’s Andy Smillie expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the deal, “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!”

Amazon Studios’ Jennifer Salke, who made a massive blunder with The Rings of Power, also commented on the deal, “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.”

Warhammer 40,000 “The Emperor of Mankind.” Art by Tze Kun Chin

Cavill and his Warhammer 40,000 universe will be a direct competitor to Gunn and the DCU as well as Kevin Feige’s Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What do you make of Cavill taking the reigns of the Warhammer 40,000 film and TV universe?

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