Elden ring movie set leak: is this the real deal?
A flicker of hope for fans of FromSoftware’s punishingly brilliant action RPG, Elden Ring, ignited across the internet this week. Twitch streamer Throxtv’s TikTok posts, seemingly offering a glimpse of the forthcoming A24 adaptation’s set, have sparked fervent speculation—and a healthy dose of skepticism—about the fidelity of the film to the source material.
A church, statues, and a whole lot of excitement
The videos, quickly going viral (a combined 2.7 million views across TikTok), depict the ruins of what appears to be a Church of Marika, strikingly reminiscent of locations within the game. More significantly, a colossal statue of Marika—the divine, god-like ruler of the Lands Between and a pivotal figure in Elden Ring’s lore—dominates the scene. Adding to the authenticity are recognizable pylons, the very structures from which players traverse Limgrave. The set, loosely cordoned off by fencing, appears to be undergoing construction.
The location remains a mystery, with Throxtv claiming it’s just ten minutes from their home, presumably somewhere in England where the production is based. What does lend considerable weight to the claims is the visible logo of Hedgehog Construction, a scenery company specializing in sets for film and television, operating out of Egham, Surrey. This isn't some amateur fan build; it’s the work of professionals.
While Throxtv initially dismissed concerns about AI generation (“Hahahaha people think it might be AI”), they’ve since promised additional footage, hinting at the genuine nature of the discovery. The initial videos, however, have already captured the imagination of a fanbase hungry for any detail regarding the adaptation directed by Alex Garland—a director known for his cerebral and visually arresting films like Ex Machina and Annihilation.
Garland's commitment to the project is well-documented. Sources indicate he submitted a sprawling 160-page script, accompanied by 40 pages of concept art, to FromSoftware in Japan. His own passion for Elden Ring is undeniable; he famously confessed to IGN that he was on his seventh playthrough last year, wrestling with the notoriously difficult boss, Malenia, Blade of Miquella. “It’s Malenia who’s the tough one,” Garland admitted, illustrating his dedication with a description of repeated attempts and strategic adjustments—a process he likened to “monkeys and typewriters.”
The question now becomes: can a game as intricately designed and narratively ambiguous as Elden Ring translate successfully to the big screen? While adaptations of titles like The Last of Us and Fallout have demonstrated a degree of cinematic viability, Elden Ring’s elliptical storytelling and deliberate lack of exposition present a unique challenge. George R. R. Martin, who collaborated with FromSoftware on the game’s worldbuilding, seems optimistic, previously describing Garland as a “first rate director” and A24 as “kickass.”
Online chatter reflects the fan’s cautious optimism, with one commenter wryly noting, “Oh my they are going super game accurate with how this game is gonna look… So 10 dialogue lines?”—a nod to the Soulsborne games' minimalist approach to storytelling. Whether the film will capture the essence of the game’s challenging combat and haunting atmosphere remains to be seen. But for now, the leaked set footage provides a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a truly remarkable adaptation.