Henry Cavill is Not Looking to Repeat His Mistake From The Witcher Series in Warhammer40K?
Henry Cavill has built a reputation as an intense actor devoted to honoring the source material, but his passion project adapting The Witcher to Netflix was not without missteps. Now, the leading man is turning executive producer for the Warhammer 40k series coming to Amazon. After facing criticism from fans regarding changes to The Witcher, Cavill is promising more oversight on the creative process for Warhammer.
The British actor’s geeky credentials first became widely known when he landed the iconic role of Superman. However, Cavill truly embedded himself in nerd culture through The Witcher, a fantasy series dear to gamers and readers of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. Cavill went to extreme lengths researching the character, adapting Geralt of Rivia’s gruff mannerisms and speech. Despite Cavill’s dedication, fans complained about deviations from the books.
How Will Henry Cavill Avoid Past Mistakes?
Henry Cavill now has a chance at redemption with Warhammer 40k, a far-future science fiction universe he fell in love with as a child. After years of development hell for a planned Eisenhorn series, Amazon emerged victorious in a bidding war for rights to the sprawling intellectual property.
Cavill partnered with longtime girlfriend Natalie Viscuso to secure the Warhammer 40K rights through their production company. He will have an executive producer role on all films and shows, as well as starring in the first project.
Also Read: “Big fear of flying”: Henry Cavill Almost Played Superman Way Before ‘Man of Steel’
According to the Warhammer community, rather than entrusting Warhammer 40k to unknown Hollywood screenwriters, Cavill is hand-selecting creatives passionate about the decades-old tabletop game. Amazon touted this “elite band” of writers familiar with lore spanning hundreds of books.
The Witcher showrunner Lauren Hissrich faced backlash from fans, claiming she did not respect the novels. Cavill seems determined not to let lightning strike twice by bringing in Warhammer 40k devotees.
Also Read: Henry Cavill Doesn’t Want To Return for Cameos, Wants Full-Fledged Story
What Warhammer 40k Story Will Amazon Tell First?
Little is known about what corner of the dystopian universe will launch the franchise. Eisenhorn following an Imperial Inquisitor was long rumored to be first out the gate. However, Cavill will reportedly star in the inaugural project set in the grim darkness of the far future.
The extent of his role is unclear. He could potentially lead an Astartes Space Marine squad or command the Imperial Guard against Tyranid hive fleets. Audiences may even meet Cavill as an Inquisitor investigating tech-heresy.
Warhammer 40k contains many tones, from gritty horror to campy satire surrounding war-obsessed football hooligans (Orks). Striking the right balance could prove difficult, but Cavill’s fandom may help the series resonate with both casual viewers and grimdark aficionados.
Above all else, Cavill seems intent on crafting an adaptation true to the tabletop game he’s loved since childhood. After missteps with The Witcher, the actor now has far more creative control to honor Warhammer 40k.
