A live-action cinematic adaptation of the massively popular fantasy video game Elden Ring is officially underway, Variety reports. Directed by Alex Garland, the project from A24 and Bandai Namco Entertainment is currently in production and is being shot specifically to be experienced on IMAX screens.
Fans of the dark fantasy epic can mark their calendars for March 3, 2028 when the film is slated to hit cinemas worldwide.
A star-studded ensemble
Alongside the release date, the studios have unveiled a massive ensemble cast and offered a glimpse into the characters they will portray. Heartstopper breakout star Kit Connor is taking on the physically demanding lead role of Vyke, a Tarnished character whose journey will require extensive action choreography.
Connor will be sharing the screen with Ben Whishaw who is set to transform into the mysterious lore-heavy mage Sorcerer Rogier. Meanwhile, Cailee Spaeny is rumoured to be playing Melina or a newly created Maiden character and Tom Burke will take on the role of the fan-favourite half-wolf Blaidd.
The expansive cast list also features Jonathan Pryce, Havana Rose Liu, Sonoya Mizuno, Ruby Cruz, Nick Offerman, John Hodgkinson, Jefferson Hall, Emma Laird and Peter Serafinowicz. Both Mizuno and Spaeny are notably returning to work with Garland after previous successful collaborations.
A24’s most ambitious project yet
The adaptation of Elden Ring is being driven by Garland’s genuine passion for the source material. The acclaimed filmmaker successfully pitched his personal vision directly to publishers Bandai Namco and developers FromSoftware.
The project represents a massive step up in scale for the indie studio A24. With a budget reportedly soaring well over $100 mln (£80 mln) and a gruelling schedule comprising roughly 100 days of principal photography, it is easily the studio’s most ambitious undertaking to date. Filming is scheduled to kick off this spring on location across the UK and Scotland.
The studio is clearly hoping to build on its recent mainstream box office momentum to secure a blockbuster hit. When the Elden Ring film arrives in early 2028 it will be competing against other major studio releases slated for the same window such as Pixar’s upcoming Ono Ghost Market and the final Fast & Furious instalment Fast Forever.
Behind the camera, the production team boasts formidable industry veterans. Peter Rice is producing the project alongside Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich from DNA. They are joined by Vince Gerardis and Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin.
Released in 2022, the original Elden Ring role-playing game is widely considered one of the greatest video games of the modern era. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki with extensive world-building provided by Martin, the title has shifted over 30 mln copies globally and secured more than 400 Game of the Year accolades.
