Elden Ring Movie Set Leak: First Look at A24's Epic Adaptation
Viral footage shows stunning Church of Marika recreation as Alex Garland's ambitious film adaptation enters production
Table of Contents
Breaking Down the Church of Marika Set
Game-Accurate Design Details
Queen Marika's in-game model shows her fragmented, often posed as if crucified against an invisible elden ring, with a hooded, flowing robe, arms outstretched, and a somber, featureless face that captures the character's enigmatic sorrow . The leaked statue appears to match this description with remarkable precision.
Whether it's fiberglass, resin, or actual carved stone remains unknown, but the level of detail suggests significant budget and intent . This level of craftsmanship aligns with what we'd expect from an A24 production, especially one helmed by Alex Garland, who is known for prioritizing practical effects.
Which Church of Marika Is It?
Fans have been debating which specific Church of Marika the set represents. The statue is more or less intact compared to all the broken ones that inhabit the DLC, and it looks like it could be the third church of Marika , though it's too early to know for certain how it will be used in the film.
The Elden Ring film has been rumored to be a prequel of sorts, so it might end up being the Second Church of Marika in a slightly less dilapidated state, or it could be a fifth Church of Marika that was never featured in the game, with the area itself looking a lot like Limgrave .
Production Quality and Practical Effects
The commitment to practical effects is particularly significant. In late 2024, reports emerged that A24 had partnered with acclaimed director Alex Garland to develop an Elden Ring film adaptation, and Garland's known preference for practical effects over green screen aligns perfectly with what this footage shows .
| Set Element | Game Counterpart | Status in Leak |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Marika Statue | Church of Marika Sites | Fully visible, intact |
| Gothic Arches | Limgrave Architecture | Crumbling, detailed |
| Stone Ruins | Third Church of Marika | Construction phase |
| Open Landscape | Limgrave Plains | English countryside |
Production Timeline and Filming Location
Filming Starts Next Week
Breaking news from industry insiders confirms the production timeline is accelerating rapidly. Garland aggressively pursued the A24-backed adaptation of the mega-hit game, writing a sprawling 160-page script—plus 40 pages of visuals—entirely on spec, and even flew to Japan himself to pitch the idea directly to Hidetaka Miyazaki, who ultimately gave Garland his blessing .
According to World of Reel sources, principal photography is set to begin as early as next week, making this leak perfectly timed—and explaining why security was quickly deployed to the location.
UK Filming Locations
Kotaku reached out to THROX and they confirmed that the set they stumbled upon is somewhere in England . The choice of the UK for filming makes perfect sense from both a practical and aesthetic standpoint.
The English countryside naturally provides the gothic, misty atmosphere that defines Elden Ring's visual identity. Smart of the production company to save on VFX costs by shooting the film in England, because now they won't have to alter the weather in post to make things look dark and miserable .
Budget Expectations
The film is already being called a potential record-breaker for A24 in terms of budget—the scale of the original game suggests significant investment in CGI and production . This would surpass A24's previous high-water marks, including Civil War's $50 million production budget and Marty Supreme's reported $70 million .
Cast, Crew, and Alex Garland's Vision
Confirmed Cast Members
The production has attracted significant acting talent. Casting includes Kit Connor ("Heartstopper"), Ben Whishaw ("Skyfall"), and Cailee Spaeny ("Priscilla," "Alien: Romulus"), who are all said to have the three lead roles .
- Kit Connor - Known for Netflix's "Heartstopper," Connor brings youthful energy perfect for a Tarnished protagonist
- Ben Whishaw - The James Bond veteran and Emmy winner adds gravitas and character depth
- Cailee Spaeny - Fresh off acclaimed performances in "Priscilla" and "Alien: Romulus," Spaeny is one of Hollywood's rising stars
Specific character assignments haven't been revealed, though some fans want to see Whishaw play Elden Ring's important Vyke character .
Alex Garland's Passionate Pitch
This isn't just another studio-driven video game adaptation. It's an unusually hands-on move for a filmmaker of Garland's stature, and Garland seems to be treating "Elden Ring" less like a commercial product and more like an artistic obsession—it's the kind of passion project he's betting his reputation on .
The Elden Ring movie was announced back in May 2025 and was approved by Hidetaka Miyazaki himself, after director Alex Garland flew to Japan and presented him with a 160-page draft of his vision . This level of dedication from an Oscar-nominated filmmaker speaks volumes about the project's potential.
Production Team
The film will be produced by Peter Rice alongside Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich from DNA, as well as George R. R. Martin and Vince Gerardis . Having George R.R. Martin—who wrote the mythological backstory for the game—involved in production ensures faithfulness to the source material.
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Why Elden Ring Is Perfect for Cinema
Unprecedented Sales Success
The commercial performance of Elden Ring justifies Hollywood's interest. The game has shipped more than 30 million units worldwide since its launch , making it one of the most successful new IPs in gaming history.
To put this in perspective, Elden Ring has outsold the entire Dark Souls franchise singlehandedly, based on statistics from 2022 . By amassing over 30 million sales in little over 3 years on the market, Elden Ring is one of the most popular new games in recent memory, and it's also one of the best-performing new IPs in gaming history .
The Franchise Expansion
The downloadable content (DLC) Shadow of the Erdtree sold over ten million copies , demonstrating sustained fan interest. Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-op multiplayer action-survival game released in May 2025, surpassed five million sales in under two months .
Rich Narrative Foundation
Released to critical acclaim in February 2022, Elden Ring is an action RPG set in an authentic dark fantasy world, created under the guidance of FromSoftware's Hidetaka Miyazaki, with the game based on a story written by Martin, author of the fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire .
The collaboration between Miyazaki's dark, cryptic storytelling style and Martin's epic worldbuilding creates a narrative foundation unlike any other video game. The game's lore is deep enough to support multiple films, spin-offs, or even a series.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
Elden Ring received over 300 Game of the Year awards, including by the publications Ars Technica, Destructoid, EGM, Eurogamer, Game Informer, GamesRadar+, GameSpot, IGN, PC Gamer, and Polygon . This universal critical acclaim translates to a built-in audience that will show up on opening weekend.
| Franchise Element | Sales/Stats | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring (Base Game) | 30+ million copies | February 2022 |
| Shadow of the Erdtree DLC | 10+ million copies | June 2024 |
| Elden Ring Nightreign | 5+ million copies | May 2025 |
| Total Franchise Sales | 45+ million units | As of 2025 |
What to Expect from the A24 Adaptation
Prequel or Main Story?
The Church of Marika shown in the clip appears in a post-Shattering state, meaning broken and abandoned rather than intact, pointing toward the movie being set after the Shattering event rather than serving as a prequel .
However, the intact statue suggests otherwise. Some fans had hoped for a prequel built around George R.R. Martin's original worldbuilding, which covers events predating the game entirely . The truth likely lies somewhere in between—perhaps following an original Tarnished character during the main timeline.
A24's Approach to Genre
A24 has proven adept at elevated genre filmmaking. From horror (Hereditary, Midsommar) to sci-fi (Ex Machina, Everything Everywhere All at Once), the studio brings artistic credibility to commercial properties. Elden Ring fits perfectly into their wheelhouse: dark fantasy with philosophical undertones.
Practical Effects vs. CGI
The leaked set suggests a heavy reliance on practical effects, which aligns with Garland's directorial philosophy. Ex Machina famously used practical costumes and makeup for its AI robot, minimizing CGI. Expect real locations, practical creature effects where possible, and CGI enhancement rather than CGI replacement.
Tone and Atmosphere
If Garland's previous work is any indication, expect:
- Philosophical depth - Ex Machina and Annihilation both explored existential questions
- Visual poetry - Garland creates haunting, memorable imagery
- Minimal exposition - The director trusts audiences to piece together narrative
- Ambiguous morality - Perfect for Elden Ring's gray-area storytelling
- Practical horror - Men showed Garland can handle body horror and dark themes
Release Date and Latest Updates
Production Timeline
Based on current information:
- May 2025: Alex Garland confirmed to direct a live-action film adaptation of FromSoftware's "Elden Ring" video game, for A24 and Bandai Namco
- July 2025: First casting announcements (Whishaw, Connor, Spaeny)
- April 2026: Set leak reveals production progress; filming reportedly begins next week
- 2027-2028: Likely release window (estimated based on typical 12-18 month post-production)
What's Happening Right Now
With filming beginning imminently, we can expect:
- Official production announcements from A24 within weeks
- Additional casting reveals as supporting roles are confirmed
- Behind-the-scenes content and official set photos
- First-look images likely by summer 2026
- Possible teaser trailer by late 2026 or early 2027
Complementary Releases
Later this year, "Elden Ring Tarnished Edition," an all-in-one version, will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2, including content from the DLC expansion "Shadow Of The Erdtree," plus four new armor sets and a new appearance customization feature . This coordinated release strategy suggests Bandai Namco is building a comprehensive transmedia franchise.
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What This Means for Gaming Cinema
The Video Game Adaptation Renaissance
We're living through a golden age of video game adaptations. The Last of Us, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fallout have all proven that game-to-screen can work when done with care and respect for the source material.
Elden Ring represents the next evolution: a prestige adaptation by an auteur director for a studio known for artistic integrity. This isn't a cash grab—it's a filmmaker passionate about the source material bringing his vision to life.
Impact on FromSoftware's Future
Success could open doors for other FromSoftware adaptations. Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the Dark Souls trilogy all have cinematic potential. A successful Elden Ring film could establish a template for translating these challenging, atmospheric games to screen.
Setting New Standards
If executed well, this could be the first video game adaptation to compete seriously during awards season. A24's track record includes multiple Oscar winners (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Moonlight), and Garland's Ex Machina earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Elden Ring movie start filming?
According to industry sources, principal photography on the Elden Ring movie is set to begin next week (mid-April 2026) in the United Kingdom. The leaked set footage showing the Church of Marika appears to confirm production is in active preparation stages, with construction crews and security already on-site.
Who is directing the Elden Ring movie?
Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Civil War) is writing and directing the Elden Ring live-action film for A24 and Bandai Namco. Garland personally pitched the project to FromSoftware's Hidetaka Miyazaki with a 160-page script and 40 pages of visual materials, flying to Japan to secure approval. The film is being produced by Peter Rice, Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, George R.R. Martin, and Vince Gerardis.
Who is cast in the Elden Ring movie?
The three lead roles are reportedly being played by Kit Connor ("Heartstopper"), Ben Whishaw ("Skyfall," "Paddington"), and Cailee Spaeny ("Priscilla," "Alien: Romulus"). Specific character details haven't been officially announced, though fans speculate Connor may play the Tarnished protagonist. Additional cast members will likely be revealed as production progresses.
Is the leaked Elden Ring movie set footage real?
While not officially confirmed by A24 or Bandai Namco, multiple pieces of evidence suggest authenticity. The footage shows construction equipment from Hedgehog Construction (a company specializing in film scenery), the set was subsequently covered with tarps and guarded, and the timing aligns with reports that filming begins next week. The Church of Marika statue and gothic ruins match the game's aesthetic with remarkable accuracy.
When will the Elden Ring movie be released?
No official release date has been announced. With filming starting in April 2026, a release window of late 2027 or 2028 seems most realistic, allowing for 12-18 months of post-production for visual effects, sound design, and editing. A24 typically takes time to ensure quality, and Garland's previous films have had extended post-production periods.
The Future of The Lands Between
The leaked Elden Ring movie set represents more than just viral footage—it's a glimpse into what could become one of the most significant video game adaptations ever made. With Alex Garland's artistic vision, A24's production expertise, a passionate cast, and the rich source material of FromSoftware's masterpiece, all the pieces are in place for something truly special.
As production ramps up over the coming weeks and months, expect more official reveals, casting announcements, and perhaps even intentional marketing materials to build hype. For now, the Elden Ring community can bask in the knowledge that The Lands Between are coming to life in the most authentic way possible—with practical sets, dedicated filmmakers, and the blessing of Hidetaka Miyazaki himself.
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