English actor Ben Whishaw, best known for his work in Layer Cake, Skyfall, Netflix’s Black Doves, and as the voice of Paddington Bear—has reportedly joined the cast of director Alex Garland’s live-action Elden Ring film.
Whishaw will star alongside Kit Connor, who’s set to lead the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit video game.
According to The Insneider, the Elden Ring movie is shaping up to be one of A24’s biggest productions yet in terms of budget.
The studio, once known for low-budget indie gems, has been steadily expanding its reach. In recent years, A24 has been looking to evolve into a mid-tier powerhouse, backing bigger, more ambitious films while still holding onto its unique creative identity.
The studio, once known for low-budget hits, is now backing projects with significantly larger budgets. For example, 2024’s Civil War had a $50 million production budget, while the upcoming sports-themed comedy-drama Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, is reportedly being made for $70 million.
That’s a major leap from earlier films like Everything Everywhere All at Once ($14 million) and Uncut Gems ($19 million), which helped define the studio’s reputation for inventive storytelling on a modest budget.
Developed by FromSoftware under the direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki, and enriched with lore contributions from A Song of Ice and Fire author George R. R. Martin, the game weaves a haunting, mythic narrative set in the Lands Between. This once-prosperous realm was blessed by the Elden Ring and the Erdtree, both instruments of the Greater Will’s divine order.
After a cataclysmic event called The Shattering, the once-whole Elden Ring was fractured, throwing the realm into disorder. The children of Queen Marika, powerful demigods, began warring over the Great Runes, fragments of the shattered Ring.
Amid the chaos, the long-exiled Tarnished are summoned back to the Lands Between, each seeking to restore balance and claim the title of Elden Lord.
As for Ben Whishaw’s role, no details have been released, just like Kit Connor’s character remains under wraps. The filmmakers are keeping casting specifics tightly under control for now.
What sets Elden Ring apart from previous Souls-like games is its expansive open-world design.
Unlike the narrow, structured paths of earlier FromSoftware titles, the Lands Between is a vast, interconnected world that encourages free exploration from the very beginning. Players can chart their own journey, uncover hidden areas, and experience the story at their own pace, making each adventure feel deeply personal and immersive.
With its intricate mythology, iconic landscapes, and deeply personal journey of power, loss, and destiny, Elden Ring is more than just a game, it’s a sprawling epic begging for adaptation on the big screen.
Keep an eye out for more news on the Elden Ring movie, as it seems A24 and FromSoftware are moving full steam ahead with production. More updates are likely coming soon.