Man, I still can't believe it's actually happening—A24 is making an Elden Ring movie with Alex Garland at the helm. I mean, we all heard the rumors bouncing around for weeks, but now in 2025, it's official. Honestly, my first reaction was pure excitement because I love both FromSoftware's games and A24's indie vibes. But then, reality hit. A24? The studio known for artsy, low-budget flicks like Moonlight and Hereditary? Jumping into the massive, fantastical world of Elden Ring? That's a huge leap, and it got me scratching my head. How on earth are they going to pull this off without blowing up their whole budget model? It's thrilling, sure, but also kind of terrifying when you think about the scale involved. Like, this isn't just another character drama; it's a sprawling epic with dragons and castles that demand serious cash. I remember when Civil War came out—A24's biggest spectacle before this—and it cost around $50 million. That felt like a stretch for them, but Elden Ring? It's a whole different beast.

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You see, A24 has been shifting gears lately. They're not just sticking to their cozy indie roots anymore. Over the past few years, they've dipped their toes into bigger IP stuff, like that Death Stranding adaptation they announced. And Civil War? Wow, that movie showed they could handle action on a mid-budget scale—shootouts in D.C., helicopters buzzing overhead, all for about $50 mil. But here's the kicker: compare that to the MCU. The cheapest Marvel movie ever was Iron Man, costing $130–140 million back in the day. A24's whole appeal was being a cost-effective counter to bloated franchises. Now, with Elden Ring, they're stepping into blockbuster territory, and it feels like a gamble. Can they really scale up without losing their soul? I dunno, but it's got me wondering. 😬

Then there's The Green Knight. Man, I loved that film—it's the closest blueprint A24 has for fantasy. Directed by David Lowery, it had Dev Patel wandering through a surreal medieval world full of mysterious characters, kinda like what you'd find in Elden Ring. The cinematography? Stunning. It captured that eerie, ambiguous vibe perfectly, with locations that felt ripped straight from a FromSoftware game. The Green Knight proved A24 could nail the tone and aesthetic. But—and this is a big but—Elden Ring is on another level entirely. The Green Knight was intimate, dreamlike, almost poetic. Elden Ring? It's grand, bombastic, packed with jaw-dropping vistas and boss fights that scream spectacle. Places like Stormveil Castle or Raya Lucaria Academy aren't just sets; they're massive, intricate environments that'd need insane location scouting or huge CGI investments. And those bosses? Margit the Fell Omen is enormous, and the dragons? Pure CGI monsters. The Green Knight worked with practical effects and moody scenes, but Elden Ring demands explosions and scale that'd push budgets way higher.

Speaking of budgets, let's get real. A24's max so far is Marty Supreme, their upcoming film with Timothée Chalamet, at $70 million. That's still mid-budget, right? But Elden Ring's world is so vast—endless fields, cosmic horrors, and battles that make Civil War look tiny. Alex Garland, as director, has done wonders with mid-sized budgets, like in Annihilation or his work with Danny Boyle. He's a genius at making every dollar count. But here's the thing: spectacle is core to Elden Ring's DNA. Without those awe-inspiring moments, the movie could fall flat. So, will A24 finally break into the $100 million club? Honestly, I think they have to. There's no way around it if they want to do justice to the game. It's a wild thought for a studio built on frugality. 🎬

To wrap this up, I'm cautiously optimistic but full of questions. Here's a quick FAQ to address some common thoughts:

  • Q: Can A24 handle the budget for Elden Ring?

A: Probably, but it'll require their first big leap into high-cost territory—maybe $100M+.

  • Q: What lessons can they take from The Green Knight?

A: Tone and atmosphere, sure, but not the scale; Elden Ring needs way more grandeur.

  • Q: Will Alex Garland's style fit?

A: He's great with visuals on a budget, but this is his biggest test yet—hopefully he adapts well.

  • Q: How does this affect A24's identity?

A: It's a risky move; they're evolving from indies to IP giants, which could alienate fans.