Bandai Namco and A24 have announced a live-action film adaptation of the popular video game Elden Ring. Alex Garland, known for directing Ex Machina and 28 Days Later, will both write and direct the film. The news was made public on Thursday, confirming long-running speculation about Elden Ring expanding beyond gaming.
From game to screen: Elden Ring’s rise
FromSoftware released Elden Ring in 2022 across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The game quickly became a major success, selling over 30 million units worldwide. Elden Ring places players in the role of a Tarnished on a quest to restore the Elden Ring by defeating bosses in the vast Lands Between. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is set for release this year, continuing the game’s reach. The Elden Ring spinoff, Nightreign, is scheduled for release on May 30, 2025.
A live-action film adaptation of the popular video game Elden Ring has been announced
Alex Garland’s involvement
Garland has earned recognition as a writer, director, and producer with films such as Ex Machina, 28 Days Later, and Dredd. He also directed the recent A24 film Warfare, which grossed over $32 million since its release last month. Garland will write the screenplay and direct the Elden Ring film, bringing his experience in genre filmmaking to the project.
Alex Garland
Creative team and production
George R.R. Martin, who helped write Elden Ring’s story, will serve as a producer alongside Vince Gerardis. DNA executives Peter Rice, Andrew Macdonald, and Allon Reich are also producing. FromSoftware’s game director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s involvement has not been detailed. The film’s plot, cast, and release date remain undisclosed.
Background of Elden Ring’s success
Elden Ring shook the gaming world by combining FromSoftware’s challenging gameplay with an open-world design. Critics and fans gave the game widespread praise, with some reviewers awarding it perfect scores. Martin’s involvement generated additional interest due to his success with A Song of Ice and Fire. Martin teased the possibility of a movie adaptation in 2024 and reiterated the idea during IGN Fan Fest 2025.
Expanding Elden Ring’s universe
Since its launch, Elden Ring has expanded with new content. The 2024 DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, added to the story. The multiplayer spinoff Nightreign will launch shortly, offering fresh gameplay experiences. FromSoftware does not plan a full sequel but will release the Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2. The continued interest in the franchise shows its lasting impact on gaming culture.
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A24’s commitment to genre films
A24 has confirmed its involvement, marking another major collaboration with Garland. Four of Garland’s five directorial works have been with A24, including Men and Civil War. The studio specialises in films that blend art and genre, making Elden Ring a suitable addition. Garland’s history with DNA dates back to 2002’s 28 Days Later, linking the creative teams over two decades.
Looking ahead
The Elden Ring film project signals a growing trend of video games becoming major film adaptations. Fans await more details about the film’s storyline and cast. Bandai Namco and A24 continue to build anticipation while maintaining a focus on quality production.
Elden Ring remains a significant title for both gaming and now cinema. Its blend of fantasy, storytelling, and gameplay makes it an attractive property for film adaptation. Garland’s track record and Martin’s involvement promise a thoughtful approach to bringing Elden Ring to the big screen. The film is set to expand the reach of this influential game while maintaining its dark fantasy roots. The adaptation may open new avenues for storytelling within this complex, immersive universe.
