A24’s “Elden Ring” Casting: Absurd or Enlightened?

Film production studio, A24, of “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “Marty Supreme” fame is taking on one of their most ambitious projects to date—“Elden Ring.” Directed by Alex Garland (of “Ex Machina” and “28 Days Later”) and shot on Imax, “Elden Ring” is a unique challenge due to its origins as a Dark Souls video game.

This action role-playing game features a high-fantasy design with worldbuilding and story by George R. R. Martin. While the visuals are stunning, the gameplay is incredibly complex, offering six story routes. Dedicated fans of the game are seeking the same immersiveness and attention to detail from the film, regardless of which path the script takes. Garland seems up to the challenge though, as he reportedly has played “Elden Ring” seven times. 

Casting Spells

While the entire main cast has been announced for the film, there has been no clarification yet as to who is playing what character from “Elden Ring.” The cast is headlined by Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla” and “Alien: Romulus”), Kit Connor (“Heartstopper” and“Warfare”), Ben Whishaw (“Paddington” and “No Time to Die”), Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation” and “The Last of Us”) and Havana Rose Liu (“Bottoms” and “Tuner”). 

Other confirmed cast names include: Tom Burke, Jonathan Pryce, Sonoya Mizuno, Ruby Cruz, John Hodgkinson, Jefferson Hall, Emma Laird and Peter Serafinowicz. 

Many fans were surprised by the casting choices made by A24, as it includes many young and queer actors. Others were excited to see rumored names, like Offerman, make it onto the official list. Fans are eager to know which characters will be brought to life for the adaptation, so instead of waiting for the 2028 release date—they’re making predictions now. 

Fan Theories

Any adaptation cast is sure to spark debate amongst its following, surprisingly, most fans have already reached the same casting conclusion for Connor and Spaeny. Connor is predicted to portray the unnamed protagonist of “Elden Ring”; as the game allows for each player to formulate their own character through their decisions, it will be interesting to see how Connor brings this vessel of the unnamed Tarnished to life. 

As for Spaeny, the consensus is she will be taking on the role of Melina, the Kindling Maiden who accompanies the player/unnamed Tarnished throughout the game. If these theories are true, this would make Connor and Spaeny the leads of the story.  

The rest of the cast is still being debated across all social media platforms, but until we hear it from A24, these theories are for the fun of it. 

Positive Production

Although the recent discourse around video game adaptations in film has been less than positive, there seems to be some hope for Garland’s “Elden Ring” production. The conversation around the cast isn’t the usual doubt or unwarranted hate, but anxious anticipation to see how the roles roll out. 

What are your thoughts on A24’s most recent casting? Do you think the “Elden Ring” adaptation will live up to fan expectations, join the conversation @VALLEYmag on X! 

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