Henry Cavill to exec produce series and films after Amazon Studios secured rights to iconic Games Workshop brand

Amazon is prepping a TV and film franchise starring Henry Cavill based on iconic miniature wargame Warhammer 40,000.

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Cavill will star and exec produce on projects created under the franchise, after Amazon Studios secured the rights from Nottingham-based manufacturer Games Workshop.

The deal with Amazon spans live-action TV series and films, but it is thought could also lead to animation and games.

Established in 1987, Warhammer 40,000 is set in the future and encompasses the battle enactments between humans, aliens and supernatural creatures using miniature models of warriors and fighting vehicles. The game has expanded the IP into animations, novels, as well as other games.

Cavill partnered with Vertigo Entertainment’s (The Stand) Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso, with the label executive producing alongside The Witcher star and Andy Smillie, novelist of the Games Workshop books, and Max Bottrill, head of product and supply at Games Workshop.

It is not the first attempt to recreate the game for TV.

In 2019, Games Workshop teamed up with Frank Spotnitz’s Big Light Productions to develop live-action sci-fi and fantasy series Eisenhorn set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The series is is still in active development with Spotnitz serving as showrunner and executive producer on the series.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios said: “Warhammer 40,000 has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world.

“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.”