Warhammer 40K: Here Are 5 Shows Amazon and Cavill Could Make
What shows would work well to bring Warhammer 40K to the small screen? Here’s a start.
Well, its official. Amazon has gotten the rights to make 40K stuff. What they are going to make is a little vague, as the agrement seems pretty wide ranging. GW has said that “The agreement encompasses rights to the universe across series, film, and more…” This could mean a lot. However given Amazon’s recent push into more and more streaming content, and Henry Cavill’s inclusion, I’d say the safest best is that we are looking at streaming shows, and maybe movies if the shows do well. So today lets take a look at a few shows that Amazon could look at making in the Warhammer 40K universe.
The Necromunda Show
If Amazon wants to dip its toes in 40K a show set on Necromunda would make a lot of sense. The more limited setting would help keep the budget down, without the need for massive set piece battles. Necromunda is also a bit more contained and might be more approachable to mass viewers. You don’t need to know a ton of big picture background of the Grimdark and the about a dozen races to understand what’s going on. Though on the flip side, a Necromunda setting wouldn’t be making full use of 40K’s universe. A cyberpunk crime show, a show about a mercenary or one about a bounty hunter would all fit in well here. There are great stories to tell here. Heck, it could even fit in with hunter sci-fi westerns about bounty hunters that are doing well right now.
The Inquisitor Show
A show about an Inquisitor would also make a lot of sense. Like Necromunda it allows you to keep things pretty small and tight, without the need for massive casts or sets. Following a new Acolyte would be a great way to introduce people to the setting, as they could learn of new races and grimdark threats as they go along. This would be a good way to slowly expand into the wider Warhammer 40K setting and bring a lot loose ends to pay off later. Cavill could start as the Inquisitor if wanted. There are also some great novels to adapt, such as the Eisenhorn novels. Or it could be a new story, with an all new Inquisitor.
The Imperial Guard Show
As the most human element in 40K a show about the Imperial Guard would be amazing and fun. This would by definition, likely be more of a war-focused show and want some bigger battles and set pieces. There are a ton of stories you could tell in an Imperial Guard show. The Last Chancers would make for a great show. My money would be on a Guant’s Ghosts show, since there are a ton of novels to adapt and they are well known. I mean basically just make Sharpe, but 40K please. Extra points for any Sean Bean cameos.
The Ultramarines Show
Space Marines, and the Ultramarines in general are the poster-boys of 40K. They are by far the best known faction and have a lot of visibility. It would be kind of odd if they don’t make a show about them or use Space Marines in some fashion. A show focusing on Ultramarines could also tie very well into modern 40K and the current storyline. Both the Dark Imperium novels and the Dawn of Fire series could provide a frame work for this show. It also allows for a good mix of action and big combats, along with Imperial politicking and intrigue. Henry Cavill of course was born to play an Ultramarine.
The Horus Heresy
The ultimate option. The Horus Heresy has a massive complete collection of novels and stories to adapt. It’s set in the past and told with unreliable narrators. So writers don’t really have to worry about messing up canon. I mean can you imagine what Amazon could do if they wanted to pump a lot of money into this? There are endless stories set in the Horus Heresy. It’s big and messy and gives you action and drama. It’s also a little more focused that mainline 40K, with a very clear main conflict and story to follow. And yeah, Cavill would make a great Emperor of Mankind.
Let us know what show you’d like to see Amazon make, down in the comments!
