FromSoftware’s 2022 action RPG video game Elden Ring is being made into a major motion picture, with writer-director Alex Garland (Civil War, Annihilation) adapting the game for A24. It’s one of many game-to-movie adaptations currently in development, and easily one of the most ambitious. How does one adapt the opaque, lore-drenched story of Elden Ring, anyway?
Elden Ring players should have some faith in Garland, who says he’s completed the game some seven times over, and has similar experience with FromSoftware’s Dark Souls. Garland is reportedly so passionate about the project that he wrote a 160-page script on spec, with 40 pages of “additional imagery,” that he used to convince FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki to let him adapt Elden Ring. The filmmaker has also previously adapted a broad range of material, writing the screenplays for Never Let Me Go, Annihilation, and Dredd based on existing works.
Even George R.R. Martin, who co-wrote the lore of Elden Ring with Miyazaki, has enthusiastically endorsed the adaptation, calling A24 “a kickass studio” and Garland a “first-rate director.”
From what we’ve seen of the Elden Ring movie thus far, Garland will be faithful to the source material, at least in terms of locations. But how he’ll adapt the game’s massive world and deep lore remains to be seen, for now.
What’s the story of the Elden Ring movie?
Neither A24 nor Garland has revealed plot details about the Elden Ring movie. In Bandai Namco’s press release announcing the film, the company opted to recap the general plot and setting of Elden Ring and Elden Ring Nightreign, rather than provide a synopsis of the movie adaptation.
Elden Ring fans know the story of the game (and other FromSoftware games) is generally pieced together over time as players encounter dribs of narrative from NPCs, in-game items, and cutscenes. Certain events are left open to interpretation or intense study, which aligns with Garland’s brand of storytelling. His films, particularly Annihilation and Men, require viewers to reach their own conclusions about what certain story elements truly mean.
One popular theory about the Elden Ring movie is that it will focus on the character Vyke, a Tarnished knight who sought to become the world’s new ruler, the Elden Lord, before the events of the game. Vyke is featured prominently on the game’s box art, and players encounter him as an enemy in Elden Ring. Vyke’s story is one of a hero who ultimately sacrifices himself, perhaps misguidedly, and fails to achieve Elden Lord status.
From an in-game description of his armor,
No other Tarnished was closer to the throne of the Elden Lord than Vyke. But without announcement, Vyke traveled far below the capital, and was scorched by the flame of frenzy. Did he make his choice for his maiden, or did some other force lure him with suggestion?
Who’s starring in the Elden Ring movie?
A24 hasn’t made any official casting announcements, but a few actors have reportedly been attached or considered for roles.
Kit Connor, best known for his role in Heartstopper and as the voice of Pantalaimon in His Dark Materials, is reportedly set to star in Elden Ring, according to Deadline. Connor previously worked with Garland for 2025’s Warfare, which was co-directed by Ray Mendoza. Connor has also done his share of video game voiceover work, with credits on A Plague Tale: Requiem, Dreams, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, so he’d probably be down for another gaming-related role.
Other names floated for the Elden Ring movie are Cailee Spaeny, who starred in Garland’s Civil War and Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus; and Ben Whishaw, best known as Q in the Daniel Craig James Bond films and as the voice of Paddington in Paul King’s live-action film series.
Actor Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us) may have also revealed his involvement in Elden Ring in a recent interview. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Offerman said, “I’m preparing to go work on a movie with Alex Garland for which I have some intense voice work and physical work to do.” Let’s hope that Offerman’s intense physical work involves stepping into a huge ceramic pot with arms to bring warrior jar Iron Fist Alexander to life.
When does the Elden Ring movie come out?
Elden Ring is set to begin filming in Scotland, according to World of Reel. That would put the film out of contention for a release in 2026, but on target for a 2027 release. A24 has not confirmed an official release date for its Elden Ring movie.
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