In a surprising turn of events, a film adaptation of the acclaimed video game Elden Ring is reportedly in the works at A24, with director Alex Garland at the helm. Known for his thought-provoking narratives and visually stunning films, Garland is set to bring the dark fantasy world of Elden Ring to life, with filming expected to commence in 2026.
Originally released in February 2022, Elden Ring quickly garnered immense popularity, captivating players with its intricate lore and expansive open-world gameplay. The game, developed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and co-directed by Yui Tanimura, features storytelling contributions from none other than George R. R. Martin, the renowned author of A Song of Ice and Fire. The plot centers around the Tarnished, a group of outcasts summoned to the mystical Lands Between, tasked with reassembling the shattered Elden Ring and defeating a host of formidable demigods to ascend as the new Elden Lord.
The news of the film adaptation was first reported by Nexus Point News, although the article has since been retracted. Despite this, the excitement surrounding the project remains palpable. Garland, who has directed critically acclaimed films such as Ex Machina, Annihilation, and Civil War, seems poised to tackle this ambitious project, which marks the first time a FromSoftware game has been adapted into a feature film.
Garland's involvement in the project comes as he was previously hinting at taking a step back from directing. However, it appears that he is diving headfirst into this new venture, alongside his ongoing work in reviving the 28 Days Later series with upcoming titles 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple.
Fans of Elden Ring have long speculated about the potential for a film adaptation, especially following Martin's comments earlier this year. In February 2025, he mentioned that there had been “some talk” of adapting the game into a movie, although he would not be heavily involved due to his commitments to writing the next installment of his book series. This anticipation has only grown as the game's success continues to resonate within the gaming community and beyond.
The challenge for Garland and his team will be how to translate the game's rich narrative and extensive lore into a cohesive cinematic experience. Given the game's open-ended nature, there are numerous possibilities for storytelling. Will the film follow the main plot of the game, or will it explore original narratives set within the Elden Ring universe? The creative liberties taken will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, as fans have high expectations for how their beloved game is represented on the big screen.
With Garland's reputation for crafting intelligent science fiction and horror narratives, expectations are high for how he will approach the source material. His previous works have shown a knack for blending complex themes with engaging storytelling, a combination that could serve Elden Ring well.
As the film gears up for production, it will be interesting to see how A24, known for its unique and artistic film productions, will market and position the film within the industry. The studio has a history of championing innovative projects, and an adaptation of Elden Ring could further solidify its reputation for taking creative risks.
While details about the cast and additional crew members remain unclear, the excitement is palpable. Fans are already speculating about potential actors who could portray the game's iconic characters, alongside the visual style that would best represent the haunting landscapes and intricate designs that Elden Ring is known for.
The film adaptation of Elden Ring is not only a significant step for the franchise but also a potential turning point for video game adaptations in general. Historically, many adaptations have struggled to capture the essence of their source material, often leading to disappointment among fans. However, the combination of Garland's directorial vision and the rich narrative provided by Elden Ring offers a promising opportunity to break this trend.
As the gaming industry continues to expand its influence on mainstream media, the success of this film could pave the way for more adaptations of beloved video games. With studios increasingly recognizing the potential of video game narratives, Elden Ring could set a new standard for how these stories are told in film.
In the meantime, fans will have to wait patiently for more updates on the project, including casting announcements and additional details about the story direction. The anticipation is already building, and with Garland at the helm, expectations are soaring. As the film gears up for production in 2026, it will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about projects in both the gaming and film communities.
