According to Deadline, Amazon Studios has announced that it has acquired global rights to the popular Warhammer 40,000 game from Games Workshop. The deal includes rights to the franchise across all Amazon Studios productions, including TV series, film, and potentially games and animation.
Henry Cavill, best known for his role as Superman in the DC films, will star in and executive produce the project in partnership with Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee (It, Poltergeist) and Natalie Viscuso (The Lego franchise). Andy Smillie (The Tau Empire) and Max Bottrill from Games Workshop will also serve as executive producers.
The Warhammer franchise has been a popular and enduring presence in the gaming and entertainment world since its launch nearly 40 years ago. It has expanded to include a wide range of products, including miniatures, sourcebooks, tabletop games, animations, novels, and video games.
The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a science fiction setting created by Games Workshop, set in a far future where humanity has spread out across the galaxy and encountered a variety of alien species. The setting is characterized by its grim tone, as humanity is constantly beset by threats from within and without. The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a brutal and unforgiving place where the line between good and evil is often blurred, and the struggle for survival is a constant battle.
“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, per Deadline. “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.”
Cavill, who recently wrapped up his role as Superman and left the Netflix series The Witcher after three seasons, expressed his excitement about the project. “I have loved Warhammer since I was a boy, making this moment truly special for me,” he said. “The opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception is quite the honor and the responsibility. 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.”
In addition to his involvement in the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, Cavill has a number of other projects on the horizon, including Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller Argylle, the Highlander reboot, Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and the third season of The Witcher. He is represented by WME.
The series is still in the early phases of development, and no writers have been attached to the project yet.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat