Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40K Show – All the Updates and Rumors About the Upcoming Amazon Series

August 2025: Games Workshop and Amazon Must Agree on ‘Creative Guidelines’ for Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40,000 Series by December 2024 – And The Clock is Ticking!

Games Workshop has announced that its much-anticipated Warhammer 40,000 film and TV series with Amazon will not proceed unless the two companies agree on “creative guidelines” by December 2024.

This ultimatum was revealed in Games Workshop’s annual financial report, emphasizing the importance of reaching a consensus to move forward with the project.

The agreement, established in December 2023, granted Amazon exclusive rights to develop films and television series set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

The agreement is conditional, as Games Workshop stated they would collaborate with Amazon for 12 months to finalize creative guidelines. Failure to reach an agreement by the deadline means the project may never come to fruition.

Here’s the actual statement from the GW Annual Report:

Under the terms of the agreement, Games Workshop has granted exclusive rights to Amazon in relation to films and television series set within the Warhammer 40,000 universe, together with an option for Amazon to license equivalent rights in the Warhammer Fantasy universe following the release of the initial Warhammer 40,000 production.

Games Workshop and Amazon are working together for a period of 12 months, ending in December 2024, to agree creative guidelines for the films and television series to be developed by Amazon. The agreement will only proceed if the creative guidelines are mutually agreed between Games Workshop and Amazon. We will update you accordingly

April 24th, 2024: Rumor Alert – Games Workshop Debuts Female Adeptus Custodes in preparation of Amazon’s Forthcoming Warhammer 40K Series Starring Henry Cavill

In a revelation sparking intense debate within the Warhammer 40K community, Games Workshop announced, “there have always been female Custodians.” With it, new rumors suggest Games Workshop introduced female Adeptus Custodes specifically to align with the upcoming Warhammer 40K series by Amazon MGM Studios, starring Henry Cavill.

April 9th, 2024: Henry Cavill Discusses Warhammer 40K Hobby on Jimmy Kimmel Live

In a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Henry Cavill shared not just anecdotes from his acting career, but also his enduring passion—and occasional frustrations—with his Warhammer 40K hobby. Cavill candidly expressed,

“I love it but I get very frustrated with it at times. Why? Because you want to be good at it, right? And you can mess up painting for many, many years before you get one thing right. And then you have to do an army of them, and then you have to compare them next to someone else’s who’s really good.”

Henry Cavill

You can watch the video here:

The discussion also touched upon his current projects, including his work with director Guy Ritchie and actor Alan Ritchson on the film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”

He shared intriguing details about his character in the film, whom he described as an inspiration for James Bond, and gave a humorous insight into training for a handlebar mustache.

February 9th, 2024: Henry Cavill Opens Up About His Dream Project with Amazon’s Warhammer 40,000 in a New Interview

You can watch the interview below, starting at the 46th minute:

During an interview with Josh Horowitz, Cavill couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, albeit keeping the juiciest details under wraps.

“I’m thrilled to have this chance to bring Warhammer 40,000 to life. It’s a dream come true to steer this ship and ensure we stay true to the essence of this beloved universe,” he remarked. Cavill, a long-time fan of the Warhammer franchise, expressed how this project is a fulfillment of his childhood fantasies and his ultimate reason for joining the film industry.

It is the greatest privilege of my professional career to have this opportunity.

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Amazon Studios set the stage in late 2022 by announcing its acquisition of the rights to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, planning to launch a comprehensive slate of programming around this rich, dark science fiction setting.

With Cavill at the helm, both as executive producer and star, the collaboration with Games Workshop entered a new phase in late 2023, securing a “full agreement” to move forward with production.

Warhammer 40,000, a cornerstone of tabletop gaming, has captivated fans with its dystopian narrative and the heroic exploits of the Space Marines.

The details of Amazon’s adaptation are still shrouded in mystery, including whether the venture will debut as a film or a television series.

However, the involvement of a dedicated team of screenwriters suggests that the adaptation will aim to capture the essence of the Warhammer universe faithfully.

Cavill’s passion for Warhammer is no secret, having previously expressed his desire to delve into roles such as the Primarchs or Captain-Generals, pivotal figures in the Warhammer lore.

While it remains to be seen which character Cavill will embody, the project promises to be a significant addition to the Warhammer 40,000 Cinematic Universe.

Despite the excitement, fans may need to be patient, as Cavill’s busy schedule, including the upcoming Highlander reboot, means the Warhammer project’s release is still on the horizon.

Yet, with Cavill’s commitment and passion leading the way, it’s clear that the Warhammer 40,000 universe is in capable hands, promising an epic saga that will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.

December 28th, 2023: Henry Cavill’s Potential Roles in The Warhammer 40k Show or Cinematic Universe

Over a cup of mulled wine we imagined the potential roles Henry Cavill could embody in a Warhammer show or movie, drawing parallels to his past iconic characters.

Read our exploration here!

December 18th, 2023: Amazon Studios and Games Workshop Seal the Deal for Warhammer 40,000 Movie Adaptations

In a development eagerly anticipated since the initial announcement last December, the Amazon Studios and Games Workshop have now finalized their partnership, setting the stage for bringing the rich Warhammer 40,000 lore to life on screens of all sizes.

Henry Cavill Leading the Charge

The next phase of this ambitious project involves delving into the creative aspects, including the selection of Warhammer 40,000 narratives for adaptation and the decision between launching with a movie or a TV series. Discussions around potentially pursuing both avenues are also underway.

At the heart of this creative process is the formation of a specialized team of screenwriters, each with a deep-rooted passion for the Warhammer 40K universe. This team’s mission is to translate the beloved setting and characters into a compelling visual format.

Leading the charge is none other than Henry Cavill, the acclaimed actor known for his avid Warhammer fandom. Cavill will serve as the executive producer, contributing his expertise and enthusiasm to the project.

The journey from concept to screen is a colossal one in the realm of TV and film production, often spanning two to three years.

Despite the lengthy process, the project is now in motion, with the promise of regular updates and exclusive insights to keep the fan community informed.

Warhammer 40k Previous Screen Adaptations

This new venture with Amazon Studios is not the first time the Warhammer universe has been brought to the screen. Fans have previously enjoyed a variety of adaptations:

“Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie” (2010): This animated feature film, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, was one of the earliest adaptations, bringing the popular tabletop game’s setting to life.

Warhammer+ Service: Launched by Games Workshop, this streaming service has been offering a selection of Warhammer-themed animated series. Notable examples “Hammer and Bolter,” a series of anthology stories set in the Warhammer universes and the recently acclaimed “Pariah Nexus,” which delves into the darker aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with a focus on the Necrons.

October 2nd, 2023: Epic battles, endless lore: why Warhammer 40,000 is destined for cinematic greatness

In the vast landscape of cinematic universes, few hold the potent combination of electrifying battles and a lore that spans eons. Enter Warhammer 40,000, a universe that beckons with the promise of grand tales of heroism, treachery, gods, and monsters. 

Here are our 8 big reasons why I think we’re about to witness the rise of a new cinematic empire! 

December 22nd, 2022: Amazon Studios secures first-of-its-kind rights to Warhammer 40,000

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 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. 

Andy Smillie

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.