NDA Mention by Games Workshop Author Fuels Speculation on Henry Cavill's Warhammer 40,000 Universe

The Warhammer 40,000 narrative universe is not known for its urgency. At Games Workshop, the grand story of the grimdark future unfolds at a glacial pace, often taking years to inch forward even a single chapter. Consider the case of Lion El’Jonson—his return was announced back in March 2023, and yet, over two years later, he remains largely inactive in the lore. His long-awaited reunion with Roboute Guilliman feels as distant as ever.

This slow drip of information leaves fans hanging on every thread, some dangling for decades. The answers they crave remain just out of reach, while cliffhangers linger unresolved, suspended in a state of perpetual anticipation. Yet despite—or perhaps because of—this deliberate pacing, interest in the Warhammer 40,000 storyline has exploded over the past decade. Any hint of forward movement is scrutinized like an Imperial Inquisitor examining forbidden texts.

Now, attention turns to Dan Abnett, one of the most influential voices in shaping Warhammer 40,000 lore. With a career spanning multiple acclaimed series such as Gaunt’s Ghosts, Eisenhorn, and key entries in The Horus Heresy, Abnett’s influence on the setting is immense. Recently, his Facebook post stirred up renewed speculation among fans regarding the status of Pandaemonium, the long-awaited third installment in the Bequin trilogy.

Let’s take a closer look at the Eisenhorn series, which serves as the backdrop to much of this current excitement. Centered around Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn and his associate Gideon Ravenor, the saga blends sci-fi crime with the cosmic horror of the 41st millennium. Unlike the sweeping galactic wars that dominate other Warhammer 40,000 tales, Eisenhorn offers a more intimate focus: a relentless hunt for heretics and daemonic corruption across shadowy worlds.

The Bequin series expands on this world through the eyes of Alizebeth Bequin, a former acolyte turned pivotal figure in the unfolding mystery of the Imperium. The first book, Pariah, was released in 2012. A full nine years passed before Penitent, the second novel, arrived in March 2021. Now, fans are left waiting for Pandaemonium, the final piece of the trilogy—its absence likened to George R. R. Martin’s elusive Winds of Winter. But unlike Westeros, where political intrigue drives the drama, Pandaemonium promises revelations that could reshape Warhammer lore entirely.

Abnett himself recently addressed the growing impatience of fans in a social media post ahead of his appearance at the Broadside Games Show in Gillingham, Kent:

“By the way… my previous posts about this event (and, actually, pretty much anything I post) have resulted in many comments asking for Pandaemonium (Bequin book 3). Positively demanding it. And I’m delighted you’re keen, because so am I. But for those who don’t know, it is not MY decision when Pandaemonium gets finished and published. For reasons an NDA prevents me from discussing, Bequin 3 — and some other things — are held up for a while. It’s coming — and I’ll be delighted to bring it to you — but in the meantime, try to be patient… and maybe try to enjoy the things that I AM writing.”

This cryptic message only deepened the mystery—especially when paired with a Reddit post from earlier this year. According to redditor Zigoia, during a book signing in Maidstone, Abnett revealed that Pandaemonium’s delay stems from its potential impact on the wider Warhammer mythos. Specifically, Games Workshop is holding off to ensure consistency with their upcoming TV and film adaptations being developed in partnership with Amazon—and likely starring Henry Cavill.

Cavill’s passion for Warhammer 40,000 is well-documented. As both actor and executive producer, he plays a central role in bringing the franchise to screens worldwide. While no official plot details or casting announcements have been made, rumors frequently point toward an Eisenhorn-centered adaptation—his grounded, investigative approach fitting better within the constraints of television than galaxy-wide conflicts involving thousands of Space Marines.

If true, this would explain why Abnett is under tight restrictions regarding Pandaemonium. Releasing the novel before the screen adaptation could risk contradicting the visual canon, especially if Pandaemonium contains lore-altering twists. Games Workshop wants to ensure that both mediums align seamlessly, preserving continuity for veteran fans and newcomers alike.

While this alignment may mean an extended wait for Pandaemonium, it also suggests that major developments are on the horizon. When Games Workshop officially confirmed the Amazon deal in December 2024, they noted that a detailed synopsis and story order had already been set. However, they cautioned that it would be “some years” before any projects reached audiences.

Until then, the Warhammer 40,000 narrative appears to be in a holding pattern—scattered updates and isolated expansions keeping the fanbase engaged, but offering little in the way of groundbreaking progression. All roads seem to lead to Pandaemonium, and by extension, whatever form the Amazon series ultimately takes.

So, what does all this imply? Could we be looking at an Eisenhorn adaptation helmed by Abnett himself? Might Cavill step into the role of the titular Inquisitor? And will the events of Pandaemonium serve as a bridge between the printed page and the silver screen?

Only time will tell. Until then, patience—and a steady supply of faith, fire, and fury—is our only recourse.