Here's one heck of a surprise gift for all Warhammer fans, and it's not even Christmas yet…
Games Workshop and Amazon Studios are working together to bring the Warhammer 40,000 universe to screens, big and small alike*.
And there's more! One of Warhammer's most famous superfans, Henry Cavill (well-known for pointing out chandeliers that look like Blackstone Fortresses) is on board, too. He’s bringing his lore expertise to the mantle of Executive Producer, and his sword arm to the starring role.
Suitably excited yet? Us too! Here's the official announcement:
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Amazon Studios Secures First-of-its-Kind Rights to Warhammer 40,000, With Henry Cavill Set to Star and Executive Produce Global Franchise
Project produced by Amazon Studios includes rights to a universe of Warhammer programming across multiple Amazon entertainment businesses
CULVER CITY, California—December 16, 2022—Amazon Studios today announced that it has secured global rights to Warhammer 40,000, based on the immensely popular intellectual property from Games Workshop (GAW) that has given rise to an immersive global hobby – Warhammer. The agreement encompasses rights to the universe across series, film, and more, and will sit alongside GAW’s activities as they continue to make the best miniatures in the world. This is the first deal of its kind for Amazon Studios for IP of this scale, and it allows the company to utilize the title across its entertainment businesses. Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Mission: Impossible - Fallout) is set to star in and executive produce the Warhammer 40,000 franchise across all Amazon Studios productions.
Since launching nearly 40 years ago, the Warhammer universe has been constantly expanding through GAW’s miniatures, sourcebooks, tabletop games, animations, novels, a wealth of licensed material, and video games.
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.
“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 and Games Workshop to make this happen. One step closer to making a nigh-on lifelong dream come true.”
"It's great news and we're absolutely thrilled; we're working with a fantastic triumvirate in Henry, Vertigo, and Amazon. Henry's well-known love of Warhammer 40,000—and his passion as a world-builder and storyteller—will serve us all well in the coming years. Finally, Warhammer will make it to the screen as the fans have hoped, and as they deserve. Exciting times!" said Andy Smillie, creative director of GAW.
Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso (Barbarian, The Lego franchise, the It films, The Departed) partnered with Henry Cavill early on to secure the coveted IP and deliver it to Amazon Studios. Vertigo will executive produce with Cavill and GAW’s Andy Smillie and Max Bottrill alongside Amazon Studios.
Henry Cavill’s numerous projects on the horizon include Matthew Vaughn's globe-trotting spy thriller Argylle, the highly anticipated reboot of Highlander, Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Season Three of The Witcher. He is represented by WME.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios is the home for talent, creating and producing Original films and television series for a global audience. Original series premiere exclusively on Prime Video, which is available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Amazon Studios also produces and acquires Original movies for theatrical release and exclusively for Prime Video, in addition to producing Original content for IMDb TV, Amazon’s premium free streaming service.
About Games Workshop
Founded in 1975, Games Workshop is the largest and most successful hobby miniatures company in the world. Their characters, games, and settings have captivated fans around the world, and appeal to a wide age range. Their major brands are Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
Warhammer 40,000 blends Science-Fiction and Fantasy and is one of the most popular and long-established IPs in the world. Warhammer Age of Sigmar—enjoying a sharp rise in popularity—is a unique fantasy IP where vengeful gods, fantastical monsters, and mighty heroes wage war for control of the Mortal Realms.
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... Sounds amazing, right? We'll be bringing you all of the latest updates on the plans here on Warhammer Community. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you don't miss anything.
*Might be time to invest in a bigger TV…