Summary
Elden Ringis officially coming to the big screen. The anticipated live-action adaptation has found its director, who shared his attachment to the game weeks ago.
Elden Ringis a popular action role-playing game (ARPG) developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It was released in February 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC. For years, fans have been waiting for a live-action adaptation, and it’s finally happening. On Thursday, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on itsofficial X accountthat anElden Ringis in the pipeline and even named the person they will be working with for the project — Alex Garland. Surprisingly, Garland already hinted at his attachment to the project a few weeks back.
Garland, a writer and director who is known for helmingEx Machina, Annihilation, Men,andCivil War,joinedWarfarestarsJoseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Charles Melton, Kit Connor, Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Gandolfini, and more in a Reddit AMA. One fan asked Garland if he had already completedShadow of the Erdtreeand what his thoughts were about the game. He also asked if the filmmaker findsElden Ringadaptable, unlike Soulsborne games likeBloodborne. Garland said he lovesShadow of the Erdtreeand is “on ng+6 currently.” In the gameplay, “NG+” means “New Game Plus,” which allows the player to start the game over while keeping most of their character’s progress, including their level and stats, weapons, armor, Ashes of War, and talismans. Each time a player enters a new game cycle (NG+1, NG+2, etc.), they must face stronger enemies. With Garland being in NG+6, it suggests that he had been spending a lot of time playing the game, and he confirmed this:
Don’t even want to think about the hours I’ve clocked up. Can’t seem to stop playing. Still discovering stuff.
Apparently, his attachment to the game has a purpose because he is directing the live-action film. Another user commented how Garland seemingly ignored the fan’s question on whetherElden Ringwas adaptable, and that was probably because he was involved in its live-action adaptation. Fans are ecstatic with Garland writing and directing the movie because he is among the players engrossed in playing the video game. They are hopeful that he will give theElden Ringfilm justice on the big screen.
Alex Garland’s Experience Actually Playing TheElden RingGame Should Bode Well For The Film Adaptation
Fans are happy that a live-actionElden Ringis in the works because they want to see it on the big screen due to its rich lore and worldbuilding crafted by fantasy authorGeorge R.R. Martin, the same man who penned the hitGame of Thrones.Elden Ringfeatures an expensive and mysterious world, The Lands Between, filled with ancient ruins, divine beings, and cryptic histories. Its striking visual designs promise stunning cinematography, reminiscent ofLord of the RingsorGame of Thrones. Another element that many are looking forward to is its vast and complex cast of characters. It’s exciting to see how they will adapt the bosses and mythical figures.
Garland being onNG+6 inElden Ringsuggests that he is really enjoying the game and is into it. The first NG playthrough could take 3 to 4 hours, depending on how the player optimizes their build and whether they are doing speedruns or full clears. Also, NG+6 is just one level below the max difficulty cap. In short, Garland has spent a lot of time in the game to reach his current level and is nearly done with the game. His exposure to the game will be a huge factor when he writes and directs the film. Since he has first-hand experience, fans expect the movie to be faithful to the source material.