Elden Ring Movie Reportedly Carries a $200 Million Budget for A24, Directed by Alex Garland

A new report from The Wall Street Journal claims the upcoming Elden Ring film adaptation, directed by Alex Garland, will cost nearly $200 million, making it the most expensive movie ever financed by distributor A24. That figure dwarfs A24's previous high-water mark, the $70 million Marty Supreme, and signals a major shift for a studio known for low-budget, high-upside productions. With stars Kit Connor and Cailee Spaeny attached, the project aims to bring From Software's dark fantasy world to a broad audience when it hits theaters in March 2028. The financial stakes are high: to be considered a hit, Elden Ring would likely need to gross over $400 million globally, a tall order for an R-rated-style dark fantasy. A24's recent success with the $10 million horror film Backrooms, which earned $197 million, shows the upside of modest budgets, but Elden Ring's scale is unprecedented for the indie powerhouse. While video game adaptations like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic have thrived by targeting families, Elden Ring's mature themes may limit its demographic reach. Still, with Garland's pedigree and a passionate fanbase, the gamble could pay off—or become A24's costliest lesson yet.