'Unfilmable' video game movie announced from director of 'best war movie ever'

Gamers are torn after the announcement of a live-action movie based on one of the best-selling video games to date.

The iconic title, which has shifted over 30 million copies as of April 2025, is none other than the open-world fantasy epic Elden Ring.

Bandai Namco set social media abuzz today (Friday, 23rd May) by revealing plans for a live-action film adaptation of Elden Ring, with critically acclaimed director Alex Garland of Ex Machina and Warfare fame at the helm.

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In a statement on X (formerly ), they proudly proclaimed: "We're thrilled to announce that Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and A24 are teaming up with writer and director Alex Garland to bring FromSoftware Inc.'s world-renowned video game ELDEN RING to life as a live-action film.

"We're truly excited to bring the of ELDEN RING to fans in a new form, outside the game", reports .

"Stay tuned. The path ahead is only beginning."

Developed by FromSoftware, the open world game puts players in charge of a 'Tarnished' protagonist on a quest through the perilous Lands Between, with aims to conquer powerful enemies and claim the title of Elden Lord.

Despite millions relishing the immersive universe – co-envisioned by Game of Thrones author George RR Martin – with its absorbing exploration and combat, there's doubt among some about how well it will make the leap from console to cinema screen.

Casting more shadow, a doubtful user on X responded to the news posted by Bandai Namco querying: "Isn't this the game which notably has no plot, just hints of one?"

One sceptic voiced concerns, saying: "This won't work out well, especially for a movie instead of a TV series. Elden Ring is full of Show, Don't Tell style writing.

"Hollywood doesn't know how to properly do that and resorts to Tell, Don't Show writing where everything has to be explained on screen by someone."

Mirroring this thought was another commenter who questioned: "Uhhh... Why a film?

"Given the sheer length of the Game's plot and amount of Lore, would a series not be more logical?"

A further doubter on expressed: "I would love for this to be good but I don't see how this can be adapted and be accessible to most audiences."

Yet, some enthusiasts remain hopeful, buoyed by Garland's involvement.

He most recently led the helm of Warfare, which received applause as one of the finest war films in recent memory, boasting a stellar 93 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes.

An aficionado praised, "Garland makes amazing stuff," going on to remark, "And I was gonna say this is an out there director choice but he did make Ex Machina which is all sorts of f***ed up. Could be epic."

As the industry buzzes, many wonder if we are on the brink of witnessing the next cinematic fantasy phenomenon akin to Lord of the Rings with anticipation hanging thick in the air.

Elden Ring is available on 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Warfare is available to rent or buy on Prime Video and Apple TV.