Henry Cavill joins Amazon’s live-action Voltron, bringing the beloved 80s anime series to life, as he adds another iconic ‘nerd’ franchise to his roster after Warhammer 40k.
Updated November 27th, 2024, by Rob Baer with updated information and links to relevant content.
80’s Voltron Returning in Live Action
Fans of both Henry Cavill and the Voltron franchise have reason to be excited. Reports say the former Superman and The Witcher star has officially signed on to Amazon’s live-action adaptation of Voltron, bringing the iconic 1980s animated series into the realm of live-action cinema for the first time. With a remarkable lineup that includes director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice, Skyscraper) and a script co-written by Thurber and Ellen Shanman, expectations are high.
The news comes at a time when Cavill’s career continues to skyrocket. After parting ways with The Witcher, Cavill has kept busy with a series of high-profile projects, including two action films—Argyle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare—and a highly anticipated Highlander reboot, slated for 2026. Then, of course, the giant news of him being the lead for the Warhammer/Amazon Series. Now, with Voltron on his docket, Cavill is adding yet another beloved franchise to his impressive resume.
What We Know So Far About Amazon’s Voltron Movie
For those unfamiliar, Voltron began as a 1980s animated series adapted from two Japanese shows: Beast King GoLion and Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV. The show followed a team of space explorers who pilot individual robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, a colossal super robot tasked with defending the galaxy from evil forces. The series, with its action-packed adventures and imaginative storytelling, quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, spawning multiple sequels, spin-offs, and a popular 2016 reboot on Netflix.
The upcoming Amazon film marks Voltron’s first live-action adaptation, a bold move that could introduce the franchise to a broader audience. The transition to live-action offers endless possibilities in terms of visual effects and storytelling, allowing for a fresh perspective on Voltron’s epic space saga.
Henry Cavill’s Role and the Future of the Franchise
As of now, details about Cavill’s role in the film are being kept tightly under wraps, but his casting signals a significant commitment to making this project stand out. Cavill’s strong presence in action-oriented roles makes him a natural fit for a film that will likely require a balance of physicality and character depth. Whether he will play one of the heroic pilots or a key antagonist remains to be seen, but his involvement adds an extra layer of excitement for fans.
In addition to Cavill, newcomer Daniel Quinn-Toye will be joining the cast. Quinn-Toye, who recently impressed audiences in the West End production of Romeo & Juliet, brings fresh talent to the project, hinting at a balance between seasoned actors and rising stars.
Confirmed Cast & Creatives Other Than Henry Cavill
Confirmed cast members include Henry Cavill (obviously), Sterling K. Brown, Rita Ora, and rising star Daniel Quinn-Toye leading the charge. Joining them are Alba Baptista, Samson Kayo, and Tharanya Tharan sparking speculation about who will helm the iconic lions that unite into the mighty Voltron. While their roles are under wraps, it seems the casting of the main pilots is complete, alongside potential antagonists and allies.
The creative team includes director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice) and writer Ellen Shanman, ensuring a fresh yet faithful narrative. The movie will begin production in Australia next month (January 2025), giving fans hope for glimpses of the towering robot in action soon.
Sterling K. Brown brings gravitas to the cast, known for stellar performances in Black Panther and This Is Us. Meanwhile, Rita Ora adds charisma, blending her singing career with roles in projects like Detective Pikachu. The ensemble suggests the movie is gearing up for emotional depth and blockbuster appeal.
Building on a Legacy
For long-time fans of the franchise, the prospect of seeing Voltron come to life on the big screen is a thrilling moment. The show has endured for decades, appealing to multiple generations, and this live-action film could reinvigorate the story for a modern audience. With its themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and the defense of the galaxy, Voltron has remained a relevant and beloved property since its inception.
However, the project also aims to resonate with newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with the original series or its reboot. The blend of nostalgic elements with cutting-edge special effects and new interpretations of classic characters could make this film an ideal entry point for new viewers while also satisfying the long-time fans eager to see their favorite mecha hero in live-action.
![Voltron: Defender of the Universe - The Complete Original Series [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5175sIoXoAL._SL160_.jpg)
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- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Last update on 2025-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The December Games Workshop and Amazon IP Agreement: Potential Disruption?
While details surrounding Voltron are still being finalized, there are more significant questions about how Cavill’s commitments to multiple Amazon projects may affect production schedules. One of the key concerns is the ongoing negotiation between Games Workshop and Amazon over their Warhammer IP agreement, which is set to be finalized in December. Any delays or changes in this agreement could potentially affect the timeline for the Warhammer series and films, especially with Cavill being a central figure in both universes.
Depending on how the agreement unfolds, Cavill may need to balance his commitments across the Voltron project, Warhammer 40,000, and his other engagements like the Highlander reboot. However, if all goes smoothly, Cavill could become the face of two of Amazon’s most ambitious franchises, helping cement the studio’s dominance in the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
What’s Next for Henry Cavill?
As Amazon’s Voltron progresses through development, the next major milestone will likely be the finalization of plot details and character reveals. In the meantime, Cavill’s involvement in other high-profile projects, including the upcoming Highlander reboot and his rumored participation in Amazon’s Warhammer 40,000 adaptation, keeps him at the forefront of genre filmmaking.
Henry Cavill’s New Warhammer 40k Movie & Amazon TV Show Series
Are you excited about Henry Cavill joining another Nerdom like Voltron?
