Inkworks has acquired the worldwide trading card license for The Golden Compass, the fantasy film starring Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman that debuts on December 7th.  New Line Cinema, the studio that produced the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is behind the production of The Golden Compass, which is the first volume in Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials (see 'New Line's 'The Golden Compass'').

Inkwork's Allan Caplan told ICv2 that the economies of scale in producing trading cards for a major film like The Golden Compass will allow Inkwork's to include 'all sorts of great chase sets and distinctive card treatments similar to what we have been able to do with our Naruto releases.' 

In addition to the standard display boxes Inkworks' The Golden Compass trading cards will also be available in decorative tins.  Display boxes will be available in both hobby and retail versions.  Gravity-feed boxes blisterpacks will also be produced for retail channels.  

Caplan told ICv2 that Inkworks will release The Golden Compass cards during the first week in November, a full month before the film opens on December 7th.

Other licensees include Corgi for toys (see 'Corgi's The Golden Compass Toy Line') and Scholastic for books (see 'Cards Inc. and Master Replicas Get The Golden Compass Boy License').