BODY: The Lands Between are coming to the big screen. Bandai Namco Entertainment and A24 have officially announced that the live-action Elden Ring film will launch globally on March 3, 2028, with Alex Garland โ the visionary behind Ex Machina and Annihilation โ set to direct and write the screenplay.
The collaboration pairs one of gaming's most celebrated properties with A24, the studio known for its auteur-driven approach to genre filmmaking. Garland's track record of crafting cerebral, visually striking sci-fi makes him an unconventional but intriguing choice for adapting FromSoftware's dark fantasy epic. While details on the film's plot remain under wraps, the pairing suggests a adaptation that will lean into atmosphere and world-building over straightforward action.
Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware with world-building contributions from George R.R. Martin, has sold over 30 million copies since its February 2022 launch and swept major game-of-the-year awards. Its sprawling open world, cryptic lore, and punishing combat have made it a cultural touchstone โ and a notoriously difficult property to adapt for passive viewing.
The March 2028 release date gives the production a generous timeline, signaling that both Bandai Namco and A24 are prioritizing quality over speed in a landscape littered with rushed game-to-film adaptations.
The insider take
In Tokyo, the announcement is being read as Bandai Namco's boldest bet yet on its IP expansion strategy. The choice of A24 over a traditional blockbuster studio speaks volumes โ this isn't chasing the Marvel formula but betting that Elden Ring's audience will show up for something more artistic. Pairing Garland with FromSoftware's deliberately opaque storytelling could yield something genuinely fresh, though fans in Japan are already debating whether any film can capture the feel of a Miyazaki-directed game. The March 3 date also notably avoids Japan's packed spring anime film season, suggesting careful positioning for both Western and domestic audiences.
Originally reported by GAME Watch (Japanese).