Alex Garland's Extensive Pitch Secures A24's Live-Action 'Elden Ring' Adaptation

Filmmaker Alex Garland's dedicated pitch, involving a 160-page draft and 40 pages of accompanying imagery, has successfully led to A24 greenlighting a live-action film adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game Elden Ring. Garland personally flew to Japan to present his vision directly to Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game's creator and director at FromSoftware, securing the deal for the highly anticipated project.

The detailed proposal showcased Garland's profound commitment to the source material, a factor reportedly crucial in gaining Miyazaki's approval. This rigorous approach underscores the filmmaker's intent to translate the expansive world of the Lands Between to the cinematic screen. The film marks a significant step for A24, known for its distinctive independent productions, as it delves further into video game adaptations.

The Elden Ring movie is officially in the works through a partnership between A24 and Bandai Namco. Alex Garland, celebrated for his directorial and writing work on films like Ex Machina and Annihilation, is attached to both direct and write the screenplay. Production is slated to commence in January 2026, with filming locations reportedly including the United Kingdom and Canada.

George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author who contributed to the original game's world-building, is listed among the film's production team. This collaboration further emphasizes the project's ambition to maintain fidelity to the game's rich lore and complex narrative. The film represents A24's second major video game adaptation, following its upcoming project based on Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding.

Garland's personal connection to Elden Ring is well-documented; he has completed multiple playthroughs of the game, demonstrating a deep understanding of its mechanics and narrative nuances. This level of engagement has been highlighted as a positive sign for fans concerned about the adaptation's authenticity. The film aims to capture the essence of the sprawling dark fantasy world that captivated over 30 million players worldwide since its 2022 release.

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the involvement of such dedicated creative forces suggests a unique cinematic interpretation of the beloved game. The challenge lies in translating Elden Ring's non-linear, lore-heavy experience into a structured film narrative, a task Garland's comprehensive pitch indicates he is well-prepared to undertake.