Ben Whishaw Joins Alex Garland’s ‘Elden Ring’ — A24’s Most Expensive Movie Ever?

Ben Whishaw is circling a lead role in Alex Garland’s “Elden Ring” movie, via The InSneider.

The Emmy-winning British actor — perhaps best known for playing Q in the most recent James Bond films — would star opposite Kit Connor (“Heartstopper,” “Warfare”) in what’s shaping up to be A24’s most expensive production to date.

To date, the most expensive A24-produced movie has been Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothee Chalamet, set for release this Christmas, and which had a reported $70M budget to its name. Given the story and setting of “Elden Ring,” I would imagine it will eclipse that record.

Garland, fresh off “Civil War” and “Warfare,” is writing and directing the adaptation of the best-selling video game. The “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation” filmmaker has become something of a house auteur for A24, and “Elden Ring” marks the latest — and largest — in his ongoing collaboration with the indie studio.

This is no small swing. Released in February 2022, “Elden Ring” became an instant sensation, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Will its sprawling, lore-heavy fantasy world vine with Garland’s cerebral style?

Meanwhile, Whishaw continues to work eith acclaimed filmmakers, he’s already starred in films by Todd Haynes, Sarah Polley, and Yorgos Lanthimos. He recently reteamed with “Passages” director Ira Sachs on “Peter Hujar’s Day,” which premiered at Sundance to strong reviews and was recently acquired by Janus Films. The film will hit U.S. theaters on November 7.

No word yet on when “Elden Ring” will go into production, but with Garland at the helm, A24 footing the bill, and Whishaw likely on board, this one’s probably happening soon.