Alex Garland wrote 160-page spec script to secure ‘Elden Ring’ film

Alex Garland wrote a comprehensive 160-page spec script with 40 additional pages of imagery to secure the rights to adapt FromSoftware’s hit video game Elden Ring for A24.
The filmmaker personally flew to Japan to pitch his vision directly to the game’s creator Hidetaka Miyazaki, demonstrating his commitment as a superfan who has completed seven playthroughs of the game.
Kit Connor is confirmed for a lead role, with Ben Whishaw and Cailee Spaeny reportedly in talks to join the cast of what could become one of A24’s most expensive productions.
George R.R. Martin, who co-created the game’s world, will serve as producer and has publicly endorsed Garland’s involvement, calling him “a first-rate director”.
The film marks A24’s second video game adaptation and faces potential scheduling delays due to Garland’s work on the 28 Years Later trilogy.

Director Alex Garland’s dedication to securing the rights to adapt FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed video game Elden Ring went far beyond the typical Hollywood pitch. The filmmaker wrote a comprehensive 160-page script accompanied by 40 pages of imagery, then personally flew to Japan to meet with the game’s elusive creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki—a level of commitment that ultimately secured both A24’s backing and Miyazaki’s approval for what could become one of the most ambitious video game adaptations ever produced.

The extraordinary effort began when Garland, a self-confessed Elden Ring superfan who has completed seven playthroughs of the game, pitched the adaptation idea to A24 head of film Noah Sacco during a visit to Garland’s London home. According to a recent profile in The New Yorker, when Garland demonstrated the game on his PlayStation, the lush visuals and fantasy setting immediately reminded Sacco of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. Sacco’s response was an enthusiastic “f**k yeah”.darkhorizons

A Spec Script Strategy

Unlike typical studio-commissioned projects, Garland chose to write his script on speculation—without any official contract or guarantee of payment. This strategic decision allowed him complete creative freedom while demonstrating his serious commitment to the project. The resulting 160-page draft, supplemented by extensive visual materials, represented months of unpaid work that Garland hoped would convince Miyazaki of his vision.darkhorizons

The gamble paid off when Sacco accompanied Garland to Japan to present the script directly to Miyazaki and FromSoftware. The meeting successfully secured Miyazaki’s approval, officially greenlit the project with backing from both A24 and publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment.gamesradar

Star-Studded Cast Takes Shape

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the film has attracted significant acting talent. Kit Connor from Heartstopper is the only officially confirmed cast member, though industry reports suggest Ben Whishaw (known for his roles as Q in the Daniel Craig James Bond films) and Cailee Spaeny (Alien: Romulus, Civil War) are in talks for key roles. The potential casting of Spaeny would mark her third collaboration with Garland, following their work together on FX’s Devs series and Civil War.comicbook

Notable producer George R.R. Martin, who contributed to the original game’s world-building, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing Garland as “a first-rate director” and A24 as a “kickass studio” on his personal blog.gamesradar

Production Timeline and Challenges

The Elden Ring film faces scheduling complexities due to Garland’s other commitments, particularly his work on the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy, with the second installment expected in 2026. This may delay further developments on the Elden Ring project, though A24 has reportedly made it one of their most secretive and high-priority productions.tribune

The adaptation represents A24’s second venture into video game properties, following their planned Death Stranding film based on Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic game. Sacco noted that both game creators are considered auteurs in their medium, though unlike Miyazaki, Kojima declined the opportunity to direct his own adaptation.darkhorizons