Henry Cavill confirmed in an Instagram post this week that horror writer and director Mike Flanagan will write the live-action Warhammer 40,000 series in development at Amazon, adding new details about both that project and a companion animated series.
According to Screen Rant, Cavill has been developing the live-action adaptation of Warhammer 40,000 for Amazon alongside producer Natalie Viscuso. The franchise, created by Games Workshop, has grown into a multi-billion dollar property spanning tabletop miniatures, video games, and other media. The video game Space Marine 2 alone sold over 7 million copies.
In his post, Cavill confirmed Flanagan's involvement directly. "Firstly, Natalie Viscuso and I are indeed bringing on Mike Flanagan to write the Warhammer live action series!" Cavill wrote. "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."
Flanagan is best known for creating Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House.
Cavill also announced that production company United Artists has joined the project. "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," he wrote.
A second major announcement in the post involved an animated event series. Cavill said he and his team are working with director Dave Wilson, writer John Orloff, and Blur Studio on a new Secret Level animation that will devote an entire season to Warhammer 40,000, specifically focusing on 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," Cavill wrote.
Fans had been asking whether Cavill would still star in the live-action series. He confirmed he would. His specific character, however, remains under wraps. "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!" he wrote. "Who that character is, however, shall remain a secret for now!"
Cavill framed all three announcements as part of a unified effort. "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," he wrote.
No release date for either the live-action series or the animated season has been announced.
