Games Workshop finalises deal with Amazon for Warhammer films and TV

By Henry Saker-Clark, PA Deputy Business Editor

Games Workshop has finalised a deal with Amazon to make films and TV series based on its Warhammer fantasy games.

The Nottingham company, which creates fantasy miniatures for tabletop games, first reached an agreement in principle with Amazon Content Services.

Games Workshop shares jumped by around 16 per cent when the deal was first announced and lifted another 4 per cent on Monday upon confirmation.

The deal will grant Amazon exclusive TV and film rights to the company’s hit franchise Warhammer 40,000.

Amazon also holds an option to license equivalent rights for other productions in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, after the initial release of Warhammer 40,000 titles.

In a statement, the company said: “Games Workshop and Amazon will work together for a period of 12 months to agree creative guidelines for the films and television series to be developed by Amazon.

“The agreement will only proceed once the creative guidelines are mutually agreed between Games Workshop and Amazon.”

Last year, former Superman actor Henry Cavill announced his involvement in the creation of a Warhammer Cinematic Universe.

Games Workshop said it would not change its full-year financial forecasts despite the deal.

Andrew Wade, equity analyst at Jefferies, said: “There will be a 12-month period to agree creative guidelines, but we had always anticipated an extended timeline (up to three years) until 40k actually hits the screens.

“Fundamentally, we think the deal offers substantial long-term upside for Warhammer to build its global brand exposure.”