The Warhammer 40,000 universe is notoriously slow to evolve. Fans of the grimdark future know that plot advancements can take years, if not decades. A prime example is the return of the Primarch Lion El’Jonson, announced back in March 2023. 
Yet, two years later, the character remains largely absent, and his reunion with Roboute Guilliman seems more distant than ever.
Games Workshop often leaves tantalizing plot threads unresolved, with some lingering for far too long. These cliffhangers can keep fans waiting indefinitely, adding to the anticipation. This has become the hallmark of the Warhammer 40,000 lore, which has only grown in popularity over the last decade. Consequently, any bit of news about the future of the story is scrutinized as if it were an Inquisition investigation.
Such was the case with a recent Facebook post by Dan Abnett, one of the most renowned Black Library authors. Abnett’s works are central to the development of Warhammer 40,000 lore, and his contributions, including the iconic Gaunt’s Ghosts and Eisenhorn series, have shaped much of the universe. Recently, however, speculation has erupted around his Eisenhorn series, particularly the upcoming third book in the Bequin spin-off series, Pandaemonium.
The Bequin series is a key part of the Warhammer 40,000 saga, blending sci-fi crime with the universe’s rich lore. The second novel, Penitent, which was released in 2021, ended on a major cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for answers. The upcoming third novel, Pandaemonium, is expected to push the plot forward significantly. This anticipation mirrors the wait for George R. R. Martin’s The Winds of Winter, with fans growing increasingly frustrated with the delays.
However, a recent post from Abnett, promoting his attendance at a game show, hinted at delays surrounding Pandaemonium due to an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). The post referenced being unable to explain the reasons for the hold-up, which only fueled speculation. Adding fuel to the fire, a Reddit user reported a conversation with Abnett in which he suggested that the delay was due to Games Workshop’s desire to align the lore of the TV series with the novel’s content. According to this report, Games Workshop didn’t want potential “galaxy-shaking” events from Pandaemonium to contradict the show’s storyline.
This brings us to the exciting prospect of the Warhammer 40,000 Cinematic Universe being developed by Henry Cavill and Amazon. Cavill, an ardent fan of the franchise, is set to star and produce the series, which promises to bring the franchise to new heights. But the question remains: what role does Abnett’s series play in all this?
The answer may lie in the possibility that the Eisenhorn series is being adapted into the TV show. Abnett’s saga, though part of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, is more focused and could be an ideal candidate for adaptation. Its smaller scope may make it a more feasible project for Amazon compared to the monumental task of adapting the Horus Heresy saga, which would require massive budgets.
If the series is indeed being adapted, perhaps Abnett is involved in some capacity, which would explain his NDA. The big question is whether Cavill will play the role of Eisenhorn, a character that many fans believe he would be perfect for. Cavill recently expressed his excitement about adapting Warhammer 40,000, a complex and challenging universe. If Eisenhorn becomes part of that challenge, it could be a thrilling addition to the Warhammer 40,000 franchise.