After weeks of fervent speculation sparked by the initial report from Nexus Point News, Bandai Namco has officially confirmed that a live-action Elden Ring film is in active development! And if that wasn't enough to set the gaming world ablaze, they've also revealed a truly exciting director for the project: Alex Garland.
Garland, renowned for his work on critically acclaimed films like Warfare, Civil War, and Ex Machina, is poised to bring his unique vision to the Lands Between. This monumental undertaking is a partnership between Bandai Namco and the esteemed independent film studio A24, known for its distinctive and often boundary-pushing cinematic releases.
The announcement comes as no surprise given the immense success of FromSoftware and Bandai Namco's action RPG. As of today, Elden Ring has sold an astounding 30 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as a true phenomenon. Widely considered the pinnacle of the "Souls-like" subgenre, the game is celebrated for its punishing yet rewarding combat, expansive open-world exploration, and deep character customization that allows players to truly craft their Tarnished. It's a rich tapestry of lore and adventure, perfect for cinematic adaptation.
Crafted under the visionary direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki of FromSoftware, Elden Ring draws its mythic foundation from a richly imagined lore penned by George R. R. Martin, renowned author of the acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire saga.
In the Lands Between, once blessed by the Elden Ring and Erdtree (established by the outer god Greater Will through Queen Marika), a cataclysm called The Shattering fractured the Ring. Marika's demigod offspring now war over its shards, the Great Runes. Exiled beings called the Tarnished, including the player, are summoned back to gather the Runes, repair the Elden Ring, and become the new Elden Lord.
What sets Elden Ring apart from other "Souls-like" games is its seamless open world—the Lands Between—which broke from the more linear or segmented designs of previous FromSoftware titles. From the very beginning, players are given an unprecedented level of liberty to explore in nearly any direction, creating a truly open-ended adventure.
Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki previously addressed the possibility of movie or television adaptation back in 2024, stating, "I don’t see any reason to deny another interpretation or adaptation of Elden Ring, a movie for example, but I don’t think myself, or FromSoftware, have the knowledge or ability to produce something in a different medium."
"So that’s where a very strong partner would come into play. We’d have to build a lot of trust and agreement on whatever it is we’re trying to achieve, but we have interest, for sure."
Stay tuned for future updates as we await casting news and confirmation of a release date.