TV
Amazon Developing a Trio of Really Cool Sci-fi Projects
Deadline is reporting that Amazon has set up a whopping three high-profile drama series for development: Ringworld, based on Larry Niven’s classic science fiction book; Lazarus, based on the comic book by Greg Rucka (Jessica Jones); and Snow Crash, based on Neal Stephenson’s cult novel.
The coolest is “Snow Crash”, which is executive produced by Joe Cornish (Ant-Man) and Kennedy Marshall Company’s Frank Marshall (Back to the Future, Raiders of the Lost Ark). “Snow Crash” is a one-hour science fiction drama set in futuristic America. “In reality, Hiro Protagonist delivers pizza for Uncle Enzo’s CosoNostra Pizza Inc., but in the Metaverse, he’s a warrior prince. Plunging headlong into the enigma of a new computer virus that’s striking down hackers everywhere, he races along the neon-lit streets on a search-and-destroy mission for the shadowy virtual villain.”
Written by Rucka based on his comic book, “Lazarus” is set in an alternative near future where the world has been divided among 16 rival families, who run their territories in a feudal system. Each family has allies and enemies among the other families. To crush uprisings and fight wars, most families have a Lazarus: a one-person kill squad.
“Ringworld” is based on Niven’s science fiction book series from the 1970s and tells the story of Louis Gridley Wu, a bored man celebrating his 200th birthday in a technologically advanced, future Earth. Upon being offered one of the open positions on a voyage, he joins a young woman and two aliens to explore Ringworld, the remote artificial ring beyond “Known Space.” The books cover their thrilling journey as they attempt to fulfill their original mission to uncover the mysteries of Ring.
Henry Cavill had been set to lead Amazon MGM Studios’ “Warhammer 40,000” series a few years ago, and the small screen project finally gets a fresh update this week.
According to Deadline, horror master Mike Flanagan (“Carrie”) is currently in talks to come on board the “Warhammer” TV series as an Executive Producer.
Deadline also notes in today’s report, “It’s still being determined if the Doctor Sleep filmmaker will be showrunning the Henry Cavill passion project.”
Henry Cavill is set to both star in and executive produce the upcoming series, with Amazon MGM Studios potentially looking to also bring “Warhammer” into the world of film.
“Warhammer 40,000 is set in the far future, where humanity stands at the edge of what might be its brightest future, or its darkest age.
“The threats to humankind’s empire are many — traitors driven by the fires of ambition, alien empires sworn to reclaim the stars, and the corruption of reality by malevolent gods.”
Vertigo Entertainment will executive produce alongside Games Workshop and Amazon Studios.
“Warhammer 40,000 has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios. “We are excited to work with Henry, Vertigo Entertainment, and Games Workshop across our Amazon entertainment businesses on this brilliant, immersive franchise for our global customers to experience for years to come.”
“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,” said Henry Cavill. “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.”
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