Introduction to Elden Ring Film Adaptation
The fans of the epic Dark Fantasy game, Elden Ring, have reacted with a mixture of excitement and caution to the news that the game is to be made into a live-action film. The game is being adapted by Alex Garland, known for films like Ex Machina and War, together with the US entertainment company A24.
Fan Reactions
"I’m very excited", said TikToker Blue Thunder, adding that he hopes the film will remain true to the game. Another fan, Grant Green, added on TikTok: "The whole tradition, all the actions, all Elden Lords, all fights… it’s more than we could ask. It will be great." However, some fans are more cautious, with one saying: "I would like to know which part of the timeline we adapt… I don’t know if I want to see this live campaign. I think it would sometimes be a kind of cursed. I think animation is the best way to adapt video games nine out of 10 times."
Challenges of Adapting Video Games
The gaming journalist Christopher Dring, moderator of the Games Business Show’s podcast, told the BBC that "translating something like Elden Ring" was not a small undertaking. "Video games have just become the new comics for Hollywood," he said. "After the great success of Minecraft, Mario, and Sonic at the box office, as well as Fallout and The Last of Us on the smaller screen, film producers are trying to sign up all possible games, from the largest proven brands to completely unproven properties that have not even come out." Elden Ring is "one of the fantasy games celebrated by critics out there," he said, with more than 30 million players and the involvement of Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, who contributed to creating its original story.
Concerns and Expectations
Some fans are concerned that the film may not do justice to the game, with one saying: "I’m afraid. I love this game too much to see it ‘butchered’." Others are speculating about which elements of the game’s story will be focused on in the film, while another simply said: "It will be very bad or several." Some suggested that it would work better as a TV series, while others said they felt "torn", with one saying: "You can get a gaming experience that takes an average player somewhere between 20 and 40 hours to complete and condense everything into a 2-hour film."
The Future of Video Game Adaptations
The plan to bring Elden Ring to the screen comes amid recent successes for adaptations after years of mixed results. The latest wave started seriously with the 2023 blockbuster triumph of The Super Mario Bros Movie, which has now entered the global box office at an astonishing $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion). One of the stars of the film, Jack Black, told BBC News at the time: "We will see more stories from the gaming universe." He has proven to be right, and was also on board this year’s Minecraft film, a global hit that achieved more than $900 million (£666 million).
Upcoming Video Game Adaptations
Beyond the financial figures, it’s also seen unprecedented audience participation from younger fans at screenings – many of whom are more used to streaming and gaming than the traditional cinema experience. It’s no surprise that a spate of other games-franchise adaptations are already in progress. Mortal Kombat and Five Nights at Freddy’s film sequels are due later this year, with Super Mario Bros 2 and a new Resident Evil film set for release in 2026. A Legend of Zelda film is also slated for release in 2027.
The Potential of Elden Ring
Elden Ring could try to bring this large-screen magic to the big canvas – a studio that is known for thinking-out titles such as the Oscar-nominated Aftersun and horror Midsommar. After all, the franchise is notoriously difficult to play and complete, so it’s definitely not one for younger players. Elden Ring could only be the adult-gaming crossover Hollywood needs.
Conclusion
The publisher of the game, Bandai Namco, said in a statement: "We are very happy to bring the world of Elden Ring into a new form outside of the game in a new form. Stay tuned. The path in front of us only begins." With the involvement of A24 and the potential for a dark, adult storyline, Elden Ring could be the video game adaptation that finally gets it right. Only time will tell if the film will live up to the expectations of fans, but one thing is certain – the world of Elden Ring is about to get a whole lot bigger.
