Alex Garland will take on the role of director and screenwriter for a live-action movie based on Bandai Namco’s acclaimed 2022 fantasy video game, with the project set up at A24. The announcement marks a new direction for Garland, as details about casting and the storyline for this Alex Garland directing Elden Ring live-action movie adaptation remain undisclosed.
Acclaimed Director Tapped for Video Game Adaptation
The filmmaker known for his distinctive vision in movies like ‘Warfare’ has officially signed on to adapt Elden Ring into a live-action film. Bandai Namco, developers of the original game, and indie studio A24 are collaborating on the production. At this stage, plot elements are tightly guarded and no casting decisions have been revealed.
Elden Ring’s narrative centers on the Tarnished, an exiled figure embarking on a perilous journey to mend the fractured order of the Lands Between—a world consumed by conflict and mythological giants. As the Tarnished, players—or soon, viewers—must confront formidable demigods and piece together lost truths in an attempt to seize the Elden Ring, granting the chance to become Elden Lord.
Garland’s Hollywood Commitments and Franchise Experience
The confirmation of Garland’s involvement with the Elden Ring film arrives as he completes his next cinematic project: the horror sequel ‘28 Years Later.’ Scheduled for release in June 2025, this sequel reunites Garland with Danny Boyle, who previously directed ‘28 Days Later.’ This marks Garland’s return to the franchise after he previously stepped aside for 2007’s ‘28 Weeks Later.’
Garland has commented that his decision to return was shaped by considerations about tone and creative direction, explaining that he had previously left the franchise due to mindset concerns. In a discussion with The Playlist, he explained,
There’s various reasons why that wouldn’t have worked. And enough time had passed [with us]. There was a key idea that felt tonally correct to what we did 20-something years ago.
‘28 Years Later’ follows characters Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Isla (Jodie Comer), who leave their isolated community when their son Spike (Alfie Williams) ventures out, driving the family to confront dangerous circumstances highlighted by the persistent threat of the Rage Virus. This sequel is the first installment in a newly envisioned trilogy, with the second entry, ’28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple’, expected to follow in cinemas next year.
Ambitions and Developments for Ongoing Projects
Garland has confirmed that he penned the scripts for both ‘28 Years Later’ and ‘The Bone Temple’, although it remains unclear what involvement he may have for the concluding chapter of the trilogy. He spoke about the narrative ambition of the new installments in an interview with Empire magazine, stating,
We tried to condense it, but its natural form felt like a trilogy.
Danny Boyle, closely associated with the franchise, shared that the projects would diverge from previous films by offering a fresh perspective built around the long passage of time since the original movie, describing,
“It was about what that 28 years gives you.”
Producer Andrew Macdonald addressed questions about Cillian Murphy’s role in the new trilogy, stating that while Murphy, known for his portrayal of Jim in ‘28 Days Later,’ would not appear on the screen in the first film, he would contribute as an executive producer. Macdonald commented,
He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.
Industry Impact and Anticipation
The prospect of Alex Garland directing Elden Ring live-action movie adaptation signals a notable convergence in the worlds of video games and cinema, with A24 and Bandai Namco positioned to deliver a distinctive take on the celebrated fantasy property. The secrecy surrounding plot points and casting has only amplified anticipation among fans of Garland’s past work and the original game, while the filmmaker’s simultaneous commitments highlight his continued influence over major genre franchises and adaptations.
As production continues and more information emerges, filmgoers and players alike are watching closely to see how Garland, Danny Boyle, and other collaborators will translate Elden Ring’s sprawling universe and layered storylines for the big screen. With Garland’s track record of blending intense emotion, complexity, and high-concept storytelling, expectations for the adaptation and his future work remain high.
