The Lands Between may be headed to the silver screen. Reports are swirling that A24 is developing a live-action Elden Ring movie, with acclaimed filmmaker Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Civil War) in talks to direct. If true, the project would begin filming in 2026 and mark the first major cinematic adaptation of FromSoftware’s acclaimed action-RPG universe.
A Visionary Director Meets a Haunting World
Garland is no stranger to cerebral, atmospheric storytelling, making him a natural fit for the grim majesty of Elden Ring. His work frequently explores existential dread, identity, and human nature—all themes deeply embedded in the game’s narrative and world design. With his most recent film Civil War making waves in 2024 for its grounded yet surreal tone, Garland’s eye for dystopian visuals and slow-burning tension could transform Elden Ring into something more than a simple fantasy adaptation—it could be a genre-defying epic.
While Garland has not publicly confirmed his involvement, industry insider Jeff Sneider reported that negotiations are underway. The earliest mention came from Nexus Point News, but the article was quickly removed—raising doubts. Still, respected outlets like World of Reel and The Direct have picked up the story, giving the rumor more credibility.
Why A24?
A24’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Known for its elevated horror, unconventional dramas, and auteur-driven storytelling, the studio has been expanding into larger-scale genre projects. With titles like Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Green Knight, A24 has proven it can handle fantasy with sophistication and flair. An Elden Ring film under A24 would likely lean heavily into the mythic, cryptic atmosphere of the source material rather than a typical blockbuster format.
Shadow of the Erdtree and the Expanding Lore
The timing is particularly interesting, as the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is expected to launch before the film begins production. FromSoftware has said little about the DLC, but based on previous expansions (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters, Dark Souls III: The Ringed City), it will likely explore deeper lore and introduce key figures from the world’s mythology.
If the film draws from both the base game and the expansion, Garland may have even richer narrative material to work with, including potential arcs involving Miquella, the Haligtree, and the gods who shaped the world’s destiny.
A Franchise Ripe for Adaptation
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has previously expressed openness to taking the studio’s storytelling into new formats. In interviews following Elden Ring‘s release, he acknowledged interest in “transmedia” adaptations if the right creative minds were involved. George R.R. Martin, who contributed to the game’s mythos, has also hinted that the world could live on in other media.
Unlike many video games, Elden Ring doesn’t follow a straightforward, character-driven plot—it offers an open-ended journey of discovery, mystery, and fragmented storytelling. Translating this into a film will be a major creative challenge, but also an opportunity to reinterpret the material in a new, evocative way.
Cautious Optimism for Now
Despite the buzz, no official confirmation has been made by A24, Garland, or FromSoftware. The removal of the original Nexus Point News article suggests the project may be in early or speculative stages. Fans should take the news with a grain of salt—though not dismiss it entirely. The convergence of credible reports, Garland’s current availability, and A24’s growing ambitions all make this rumor feel more plausible than most.
For now, the idea of Alex Garland reimagining the shattered majesty of Elden Ring remains an alluring possibility. And if it becomes reality, 2026 might mark the beginning of a new era—where Tarnished don’t just rise to grace in video games, but also in theaters.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Garland, director of Ex Machina, is reportedly directing an Elden Ring film adaptation for A24.
- Production is expected to begin in 2026, following Garland’s current projects.
- The film adaptation represents a significant expansion of the Elden Ring franchise beyond gaming.
Overview of the Elden Ring Movie From A24
The upcoming Elden Ring film adaptation marks a significant collaboration between acclaimed studio A24 and director Alex Garland. This highly anticipated project will bring FromSoftware’s dark fantasy world to the big screen with production expected to begin in 2026.
Production Timeline and Shooting Schedule
The Elden Ring film is expected to begin shooting in 2026, marking a major milestone for fans of the critically acclaimed video game. While the exact filming dates haven’t been confirmed, industry insiders suggest this will be Alex Garland’s next major project following his recent work.
Pre-production activities are likely already underway, including script development, concept art creation, and initial casting discussions. The production schedule will need to accommodate the elaborate set designs and visual effects required to bring Elden Ring’s unique aesthetic to life.
Given the complexity of the source material, filming could potentially span 6-8 months with an additional lengthy post-production period for visual effects and editing.
Involvement of A24 in Adaptation
A24, known for its boundary-pushing films, has officially partnered with FromSoftware to adapt the Elden Ring universe. This marks an interesting direction for the studio, which has built its reputation on distinctive, artistic productions like “Ex Machina” and “Moonlight.”
The studio’s involvement suggests the film will maintain the atmospheric and thematic elements that define the game rather than pursuing a conventional blockbuster approach. A24’s track record indicates a commitment to preserving creative vision.
Their participation also points to a potentially more cerebral and artistically driven adaptation than typical video game films. A24’s distribution network will ensure the film reaches both mainstream audiences and art-house cinema fans alike.
Key Collaborators and Creative Team
At the helm of this ambitious project is director Alex Garland, whose work on sci-fi films like “Ex Machina” and his recent project “Warfare” has earned critical acclaim. Garland’s experience with complex narratives and visual storytelling makes him a promising choice for adapting Elden Ring’s rich lore.
While the full creative team hasn’t been announced, industry expectations suggest potential involvement from:
- Visual effects specialists with experience in fantasy world-building
- Production designers capable of translating the game’s distinctive architecture and landscapes
- Costume designers to adapt the iconic armor sets and character designs
FromSoftware’s creative director Hidetaka Miyazaki is likely to serve in a consulting capacity to ensure the film maintains the essence of the original game.
Director Alex Garland’s Vision for Elden Ring
Alex Garland brings his unique artistic sensibilities to the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, combining his experience with science fiction and psychological horror with FromSoftware’s dark fantasy world. The A24-backed film represents a significant shift in genre for the acclaimed filmmaker.
Previous Works and Directorial Style
Garland established himself as a visionary director through critically acclaimed works like Ex Machina and Annihilation. His filmography demonstrates a consistent focus on atmospheric storytelling, existential themes, and striking visual compositions. These elements align well with Elden Ring’s mysterious narrative and haunting landscapes.
Garland’s methodical pacing and attention to visual detail could translate effectively to the Lands Between’s vast, ruined environments. His work on Men and Civil War showcases his ability to balance intimate character moments with larger social commentary.
The director’s collaborative approach with cinematographers and production designers has resulted in distinctive visual languages for each project. This approach suggests the Elden Ring adaptation may feature a unique aesthetic that honors the game while establishing its own identity.
Garland’s Approach to Fantasy Storytelling
Though primarily known for science fiction, Garland’s writing background reveals a deep understanding of fantasy conventions and mythological structures. His early novel The Beach and screenplay for 28 Days Later demonstrated his ability to create immersive worlds with consistent internal logic.
Garland typically avoids explaining every mystery in his narratives, preferring to let audiences interpret ambiguous elements. This approach matches well with FromSoftware’s storytelling style, which often relies on environmental cues and fragmented lore.
The director’s interest in exploring power dynamics and societal breakdown seems particularly relevant to Elden Ring’s themes of corruption and fallen kingdoms. His films often examine characters confronting forces beyond their understanding—a perfect match for the game’s cosmic horror elements.
Challenges of Adapting Elden Ring’s World
The primary obstacle facing Garland is condensing Elden Ring’s expansive world and complex mythology into a coherent feature film. The game’s non-linear structure and player-driven narrative don’t easily translate to traditional film storytelling.
Garland must also navigate the balance between appeasing dedicated fans and creating an accessible entry point for newcomers. His previous adaptations, like Ex Machina, succeeded by capturing essential themes rather than attempting literal translations.
The production’s 2026 shooting schedule allows Garland significant preparation time to develop his vision. This extended pre-production period suggests A24 and FromSoftware are prioritizing quality over rushing the adaptation to capitalize on the game’s popularity.
Visual effects present another substantial challenge, as Elden Ring’s distinctive enemies and supernatural elements require convincing translation to live action without losing their intrinsic strangeness and menace.
Impact on the Elden Ring Franchise
The upcoming film adaptation represents a major milestone for FromSoftware’s acclaimed franchise, potentially transforming its reach beyond the gaming world. This expansion into cinema marks a significant evolution for the Elden Ring intellectual property.
Anticipated Influence on the Gaming Community
The announcement of an Elden Ring film directed by Alex Garland has generated considerable buzz among fans. Gaming communities have long been skeptical of video game adaptations, but Garland’s involvement has shifted expectations dramatically.
The director’s previous work on visually striking and philosophically complex films like Ex Machina and Annihilation suggests the adaptation might preserve the game’s atmospheric depth. This aligns well with Elden Ring’s mysterious worldbuilding.
Players are particularly interested in how the film will translate the game’s non-linear storytelling approach. Many believe the adaptation could attract new players to the franchise, potentially boosting sales of the original game and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Potential Expansion of the Elden Ring Universe
The film adaptation opens numerous possibilities for expanding the rich lore created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. New characters, locations, and storylines could emerge that complement the existing narrative without contradicting it.
A24’s involvement suggests the film will likely maintain the game’s artistic integrity rather than pursuing mainstream appeal at all costs. This creative approach could yield supplementary material that enriches the universe.
The success of the film might also spur development of:
- Companion books exploring world lore
- Merchandise featuring iconic characters and locations
- Potential sequel films if reception is positive
- Cross-media storytelling opportunities
Early Reactions and Industry Expectations
Initial response to the 2026 filming announcement has been cautiously optimistic. Industry analysts note that the extended timeline suggests a commitment to quality over rushing production.
The pairing of Garland with the critically acclaimed IP has raised expectations significantly. Many believe this could set a new standard for video game adaptations, which have historically struggled to satisfy both fans and critics.
FromSoftware’s apparent willingness to entrust their property to filmmakers signals confidence in the vision. The studio’s involvement level in the adaptation remains unclear, though fans hope Miyazaki will have some creative input.
Film industry observers predict the adaptation will attempt to capture the game’s distinctive visual aesthetic while creating a more structured narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans are eagerly awaiting details about the upcoming Elden Ring film adaptation from A24. Director Alex Garland is set to helm this ambitious project with filming expected to begin in 2026.
Who is slated to star in the A24 adaptation of Elden Ring?
No casting announcements have been made for the Elden Ring film adaptation as of May 2025. With production still in early development stages, A24 has not revealed any actors attached to the project.
The studio typically works with both established stars and emerging talent. Given Alex Garland’s previous collaborations with actors like Oscar Isaac and Natalie Portman, similar caliber performers might be considered.
What is the expected release date for the Elden Ring movie by A24?
The Elden Ring film does not have an official release date yet. With shooting expected to begin in 2026, the movie would likely premiere in late 2027 or 2028.
Post-production for a fantasy film of this scale typically requires 12-18 months after principal photography wraps. A24’s release strategy often includes festival premieres before wider theatrical distribution.
Will Hidetaka Miyazaki have any creative input in the Elden Ring film directed by Alex Garland?
There has been no official confirmation regarding Hidetaka Miyazaki’s involvement in the film adaptation. As the game’s director and FromSoftware’s creative lead, his input would be valuable for maintaining the integrity of the world.
A24 and Garland’s approach to adaptation typically respects source material. Some form of consultation with Miyazaki and FromSoftware seems likely, though the extent remains unannounced.
How will the Elden Ring movie adhere to the game’s extensive lore?
The adaptation faces significant challenges in translating Elden Ring’s vast and complex lore to film. Garland’s previous work on complex narratives like “Ex Machina” demonstrates his ability to handle intricate storytelling.
The film will likely focus on core narrative elements while streamlining some of the game’s more expansive worldbuilding. A24’s reputation for artistic integrity suggests they’ll strive to maintain the essence of the Lands Between.
What major themes from the game will the Elden Ring movie focus on?
The film adaptation is expected to explore the same central themes as the game: ambition, corruption, and the consequences of power. The breaking of the Elden Ring and the resulting chaos will likely serve as the narrative foundation.
Character journeys dealing with transformation and sacrifice may be emphasized. Garland’s previous films have dealt with existential questions and identity, which align well with Elden Ring’s thematic concerns.
Has A24 released any teasers or trailers for the upcoming Elden Ring movie?
No official teasers, trailers, or promotional materials have been released for the Elden Ring film. With production not scheduled to begin until 2026, visual assets are likely still in development.
A24 typically begins marketing campaigns 6-12 months before release. Initial concept art or casting announcements might appear closer to the production start date.
