Rick Priestly’s futuristic war between aliens and the last vestiges of the human race is coming to the small screen. The Hollywood Reporter brings word that a series based on Warhammer 40,000 is currently in development.
Priestly created Warhammer 40,000 in 1987. It originally hit stores as a tabletop game utilizing miniature figurines. However, it has also spawned video games, novels, and comic books over the last two decades. Set in the 41st millennium, the game depicts humanity on the brink of extinction due to long-standing violent conflicts with several alien species. Additionally, the surviving humans encounter various forms of magic and supernatural creatures.
Frank Spotnitz is spearheading the new series, which is titled Eisenhorn. As longtime players might guess, it centers on Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a recurring character in the Warhammer universe. Apparently, the in-universe novels written by Dan Abnett will serve as the show’s primary influence.
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Spotnitz previously developed Amazon’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle. He was also a writer and producer on The X-Files and co-wrote both films that followed that series. Spotnitz will executive produce Eisenhorn through his Big Light Productions banner alongside Emily Feller. Warhammer rights holders Games Workshop will also have a hand in developing the series.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Games Workshop to develop the beloved visionary world of Warhammer 40,000 into a TV series,” Spotnitz said in a statement. “Warhammer 40,000 is steeped in rich and complex lore, with a myriad of traditions and stories that have accumulated over time in this thrilling and complex world, making it one of the most exciting properties to adapt for television audiences and the franchise’s loyal global fanbase. There is nothing else like it on television, and we are incredibly excited to tap into our own experience creating imaginative, complex and compelling worlds to bring this incredible saga to the screen.”
Andy Smillie, Games Workshop’s global head of marketing and media, also commented on their plans for the series.
“Warhammer 40,000 has a massive global fanbase — they are a passionate community of Warhammer hobbyists who love to engage with our characters, stories and games,” Smillie said. “I’m truly delighted we are able to develop a show that will reward their loyalty.”
Eisenhorn is still without a premiere date or a network. Do you plan on checking out the series when it debuts? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading – Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch
