A24 just dropped the full cast list for the upcoming Elden Ring movie, and it’s exactly the kind of high-brow, "wait, what?" lineup you’d expect from the studio that gave us everything from talking shells to multiverse taxes. If your teen spent the last four years dying a thousand deaths in the Lands Between, they are probably losing their minds right now because Alex Garland (the guy behind Ex Machina and Civil War) is officially bringing this brutal world to IMAX in 2028.
TL;DR: The Elden Ring movie is officially in production at A24 with a 2028 release date, starring Kit Connor, Nick Offerman, and Cailee Spaeny. Directed by Alex Garland, the film will be a high-budget, IMAX-shot adaptation of the M-rated Elden Ring game, meaning parents should expect significant dark fantasy violence and "prestige" weirdness that is best suited for older teens and adults.
If you haven't been paying attention to the $100 million production rumors, Elden Ring is the 2022 "game of the decade" that essentially redefined open-world gaming. It was a collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki (the king of "punishingly difficult" games) and George R.R. Martin (the king of "everyone you love dies" books).
In the game, you play as a "Tarnished"—basically a low-level warrior brought back to life to wander a decaying, beautiful, and terrifying world called the Lands Between. The goal? Collect shards of the shattered Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. It is famous for its lack of a traditional "map" with waypoints, its deep, cryptic lore, and bosses that will make a grown adult throw a controller across the room.
The cast list announced yesterday is a "who’s who" of A24 darlings and prestige TV veterans. While roles haven't been 100% confirmed, the internet is already doing the heavy lifting on the theories.
Fresh off his massive success in Heartstopper, Kit Connor is rumored to be playing our lead Tarnished. It’s a huge pivot from "sweet high school romance" to "battling a 40-foot-tall grafted king," but Connor has been bulking up for Garland's other recent projects, so he’s clearly ready for the physical toll of a 100-day shoot in the UK.
This is the one that has everyone talking. After his heartbreaking turn in The Last of Us, Offerman is becoming the go-to guy for "grumpy man in a collapsing world." The fan theory? He’s playing Miriel, Pastor of Vows—better known to your kids as the "Turtle Pope." If we get Nick Offerman’s voice coming out of a giant turtle wearing a mitre, the movie is already a 10/10.
Having just starred in Alien: Romulus and Garland’s Civil War, Spaeny is basically the new face of A24. Most fans expect her to play Melina, the mysterious maiden who gives the player their horse and levels them up.
The Rest of the Heavy Hitters
- Ben Whishaw: The voice of Paddington is trading marmalade for madness. He’s likely a voice-actor for one of the more monstrous demi-gods.
- Jonathan Pryce: Bringing that Game of Thrones energy to the Lands Between.
- Sonoya Mizuno: A frequent Garland collaborator (Ex Machina), she excels at playing characters that are slightly "off" or ethereal—perfect for the weirdness of Elden Ring.
For a lot of teens, Elden Ring wasn't just a game; it was a community event. It’s a "shared struggle" game. When a new boss is defeated, it’s a badge of honor.
The fact that A24 is handling the movie—rather than a studio that might try to make it a generic "PG-13" action flick—means this will likely be a dark, atmospheric, and visually stunning piece of art. It’s being filmed for IMAX, which tells us they are leaning into the scale of the world.
If you are trying to decide if this is a "family movie night" contender for 2028, here is the Screenwise reality check:
- It’s going to be violent. The game is rated M for a reason. We’re talking blood, gore, and "body horror" (like characters with dozens of arms grafted onto them). Alex Garland doesn't usually hold back on the visceral stuff.
- It’s going to be "weird." This isn't The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It’s high-concept fantasy. Think more Lord of the Rings meets a nightmare.
- The "Prestige" factor. Because it’s A24 and Alex Garland, the movie will likely be slow-paced and heavy on atmosphere. This isn't a "popcorn and explosions" movie; it’s a "sit in the dark and feel unsettled" movie.
If your kid is under 14, you might want to steer them toward something like The Legend of Zelda or Stardew Valley for their fantasy fix while the older teens wait for the 2028 premiere.
Since the movie is still a couple of years out, now is the perfect time to engage with the world your teen is already living in.
- Ask about the lore: "I saw Nick Offerman is in the Elden Ring movie. Who do you think he’s playing?" (Warning: This might result in a 45-minute lecture on the history of the Golden Order).
- Discuss the adaptation: "Do you think a movie can actually capture how hard the game is?"
- Set expectations: If you have younger kids who want to see it because their older sibling is excited, start the conversation now about why this is an "older teen" movie.
Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about gaming and movies
Q: What age is the Elden Ring movie appropriate for?
While there is no official rating yet, based on the Elden Ring game and director Alex Garland's history, it will almost certainly be rated R or a very "hard" PG-13. Screenwise recommends this for ages 16 and up due to graphic violence and disturbing imagery.
Q: Is the Elden Ring movie coming out in 2026?
No, production is beginning in Spring 2026, but the official release date is set for March 3, 2028. You have plenty of time to catch up on the lore before it hits theaters.
Q: Will the Elden Ring movie be on Netflix?
Currently, this is a theatrical release from A24. While it will eventually hit streaming services (likely Max or Netflix), the initial release in 2028 is strictly for theaters and IMAX.
The Elden Ring movie cast is a signal that this isn't just a "video game movie"—it’s a major cinematic event. If you’ve got a teen who has been obsessed with the Lands Between since 2022, this is their Avengers: Endgame. Just be prepared for it to be a lot darker, a lot weirder, and much more "A24" than your average blockbuster.
- Check the game's rating: If your teen is asking to play the game before the movie comes out, read our full Elden Ring game parent guide.
- Look at alternatives: If they aren't ready for the gore of Elden Ring, check out our list of best open-world games for kids.
- Stay updated: Follow our guide on upcoming video game movies to see what else is coming from Nintendo and Sony.