A24’s Elden Ring Movie Begins Production with Star-Studded Cast

Production has officially commenced in the United Kingdom on A24’s ambitious film adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game Elden Ring. Director Alex Garland is helming the project, which has assembled an impressive ensemble of talent and reportedly carries a budget exceeding $100 million, marking a significant step into blockbuster territory for the indie studio.

Production Underway in the UK

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that cameras began rolling this week in the UK, signaling the transition from pre-production to active filming for the highly anticipated adaptation. This milestone comes after months of anticipation following the initial announcement of Garland’s involvement, reassuring fans that the beloved FromSoftware franchise is taking shape for the big screen. The decision to shoot in the United Kingdom aligns with the studio’s previous productions and provides access to the diverse landscapes necessary for bringing the Lands Between to life.

The UK filming locations offer the versatility required to represent the game’s varied biomes, from haunting forests to imposing castles, while taking advantage of local tax incentives and experienced crew bases established through decades of fantasy and period productions. This geographical choice suggests the production aims for practical locations augmented with visual effects rather than relying entirely on digital environments.

Star-Studded Ensemble Assembled

The production has secured an eclectic mix of established veterans and rising stars to populate its mysterious narrative. While character details remain under wraps, the call sheet reads like a comprehensive roster of contemporary British and international talent, blending dramatic heavyweights with performers known for their genre work.

The confirmed ensemble includes:

• Kit Connor (Heartstopper)
• Ben Whishaw (Paddington)
• Cailee Spaeny (Civil War)
• Tom Burke (The Souvenir)
• Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms)
• Sonoya Mizuno (Ex Machina, Civil War)
• Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes)
• Ruby Cruz (Mare of Easttown)
• John Hodgkinson
• Jefferson Hall (House of the Dragon)
• Emma Laird (The Crow)
• Peter Serafinowicz (The Tick)
• Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)

This marks a significant reunion for several Garland collaborators, particularly Mizuno, who worked with the director on Ex Machina and Civil War, and Spaeny, who starred in the latter. The inclusion of Offerman and Whishaw suggests a blend of dramatic intensity alongside genre-friendly performances, while the presence of Connor and Cruz indicates the studio’s interest in capturing younger demographics familiar with their television work.

Budget Reflects Blockbuster Ambitions

According to industry reports, the budget has escalated to “well over $100 million,” a figure that would dwarf Garland’s previous work with A24. For context, Civil War—the director’s 2024 release—held the studio’s previous budgetary record. This substantial investment indicates A24’s serious commitment to expanding beyond their traditional independent film space into tentpole territory while maintaining their reputation for filmmaker-driven projects.

This financial escalation represents a paradigm shift for the company, which built its reputation on micro-budget horror films and character-driven dramas. The investment suggests parent company A24 believes Garland’s vision can capture both the zeitgeist surrounding the game and broader mainstream appeal. The financial backing required for a project of this magnitude reflects both the complex visual effects necessary to realize the game’s distinctive aesthetic and the star power attached to the ensemble, positioning Elden Ring as A24’s most expensive production to date.

Story Approach and Theatrical Release Date

While specific plot details remain closely guarded, speculation suggests the adaptation may not follow the game’s narrative beat-for-beat. Sources indicate Garland might pursue an original story set within the established universe, similar to approaches taken by Prime Video’s Fallout series or the upcoming Resident Evil film from Zach Cregger. This strategy would allow the creative team to explore the rich lore of the Lands Between—the game’s setting—without being constrained by the source material’s relatively sparse narrative structure.

The game itself emphasizes exploration and environmental storytelling over linear plot, featuring a silent protagonist and minimal dialogue. This ambiguity gives Garland creative freedom but also raises questions about how to construct a coherent cinematic narrative from fragmented lore. By potentially focusing on the world’s mythology and atmospheric dread rather than recreating boss battles or gameplay mechanics, the film stands a better chance of resonating with both hardcore fans and general audiences.

The film is currently scheduled for theatrical release on March 3, 2028. This date positions the movie in a competitive early spring slot, allowing ample time for post-production given the visual effects requirements and the scale of the production.

The Director’s Vision

Alex Garland brings a distinct visual sensibility and thematic complexity to the project, having established his reputation through films like Ex Machina and Annihilation. His previous collaboration with A24 on Civil War demonstrated his ability to handle larger scale productions while maintaining an auteur’s touch. The director’s background in science fiction and psychological thriller genres suggests the Elden Ring adaptation may emphasize the game’s more surreal and atmospheric elements rather than straightforward action fantasy.

The decision to potentially craft an original narrative within the established universe aligns with Garland’s tendency to explore philosophical questions through speculative frameworks. This approach could sidestep the common pitfalls of video game adaptations that struggle to translate interactive experiences into passive viewing. With nearly four years between the start of production and the March 2028 release date, the production allows extensive time for post-production, suggesting extensive visual effects work will be required to realize the game’s iconic locations, creatures, and the Erdtree itself.

What’s After the Movie

Planning your movie calendar around major releases like Elden Ring just got easier. What’s After the Movie offers comprehensive coverage of upcoming theatrical releases, box office projections, and detailed film information. Whether you’re tracking video game adaptations or indie studio blockbusters, our database provides spoiler-free summaries, cast details, and industry news to keep you informed. Explore our movie listings to discover what else is hitting theaters in 2028 and beyond, or visit our industry news section for the latest updates on production developments.