Days after Henry Cavill confirmed he would not be playing Clark Kent in the upcoming Superman film, the actor announced he would be starring in and executive producing the Warhammer 40,000 franchise across all Amazon Studios.
After months of negotiations and fending off rivals who also desired the rights, Amazon is now in final negotiations for the rights to the gaming franchise, which is manufactured by Games Workshop. The agreement covers all of the universe’s rights for TV shows, movies and possibly games and animation.
Warhammer 40,000 is set in a far-off future where a stagnant human society is plagued by hostile aliens and supernatural creatures.
“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,” Cavill told The Hollywood Reporter. “I couldn’t be more grateful for all the hard work put in by Vertigo, Amazon Studios and Games Workshop to make this happen. One step closer to making a nigh on lifelong dream come true.”
In October, Cavill told fans he would return to the role of Superman in the DCEU after making a cameo in Black Adam. He reversed course on Wednesday and said that he would not be part of Superman.
“I have just had a meeting with [DC Studios co-heads] James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” he said on Instagram. “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.”
As for why the casting change, Gunn said on Twitter the upcoming Superman film will “be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”
“But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future,” Gunn added.
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