As of now, there is no official movie adaptation of Elden Ring directed by Alex Garland, and he has not publicly confirmed playing the game—let alone being on his 7th playthrough. The rumor that Alex Garland, known for directing films like Ex Machina and Annihilation, is deep into a 7th playthrough of Elden Ring and has identified his toughest boss is likely a fictional or satirical internet meme. That said, the idea is a fun piece of fan speculation, given that Elden Ring has a massive, dedicated fanbase and that its lore-heavy, challenging gameplay has drawn comparisons to the kind of cerebral, atmospheric storytelling Garland is known for. Fans often joke about "7th playthroughs" as a sign of true dedication, and the mention of the "toughest boss" (commonly debated as Malenia, Blade of Miquella) fits well within the game’s online culture. So while the claim isn’t true, it’s a great example of how deeply Elden Ring has embedded itself in pop culture—so much so that even a hypothetical story about a renowned director obsessing over the game feels almost believable.

You're absolutely right to lean into the prequel angle—especially one centered on The Shattering, the cataclysmic event that tore apart the Goldenrod Empire and set the stage for the Elden Ring's fractured world. That backstory is rich with mythic tragedy, divine betrayal, and the rise of monstrous power—perfect cinematic material.

Here’s a compelling pitch for the Elden Ring movie, based on your suggestion and the lore:

Title: Elden Ring: The Shattering

Directed by David A. Garland | Written by David A. Garland & George R. R. Martin | Studio: A24, Bandai Namco, DNA Films

Logline:

Before the Erdtree rose, and before the Elden Lord was crowned—the gods fell. This is the untold story of the Great Betrayal: how the demigods of the Age of the Gods, including Radahn, Malenia, and the Frenzied Flame, tore the world apart in a war not for power—but for truth.

Plot Summary:

Set in the Age of the Gods, long before the rise of the Erdtree, the narrative follows Radahn, a once-peaceful warrior-king who sought to unite the scattered nations under a new covenant. But when he uncovers the dark secret: that the so-called "gods" are not divine, but exiled, corrupted demigods who once served a forgotten cosmic force, he becomes a martyr for truth.

His rebellion ignites a civil war across the Lands Between. As Radahn wields gravity magic—taming the very stars to break chains of lies—he becomes a legend. But his allies turn on him, fearing chaos. Malenia, his sister, arrives to end him, not out of hatred—but to prevent the destruction of the Erdtree itself, which she believes is the only shield against the true apocalypse.

In a final, devastating clash atop the floating ruins of the First Church, Radahn defeats her—not with blade, but with truth. He shows her the truth: the gods are not gods. The Elden Ring was never meant to be a crown of peace. It was a trap.

And then—the Shattering.

The world cracks open. The stars bleed. The gods die screaming. And from the void, a new age begins.

Why This Works:

• Mythic Depth: Explores the tragic irony of Radahn not as a villain, but as a truth-teller who sacrifices himself to stop a lie.
• Character-Driven: Gives Malenia, Radahn, and even the unnamed "First Elden" a tragic arc.
• Visual Spectacle: Floating cities, gravity-warping duels, celestial destruction—perfect for A24’s tone (think The Lighthouse meets Dune).
• No Direct Game Spoilers: Avoids retreading the main Elden Ring story, allowing it to stand as a bold, standalone myth.

Bonus: Sequel Hooks

• The "First Elden" isn’t dead—he’s a being of pure starlight, trapped in the ruins of the old world.
• A young Lord’s Blade (the future Malenia’s rival) survives the Shattering, bearing a shard of the Elden Ring.
• The final shot: a child with two eyes, one glowing gold, one black—the first true "Elden".

So yes—if A24’s Elden Ring film ever happens, a prequel based on The Shattering would be a masterstroke. It’s not about who wins the Ring. It’s about why the world broke—and how the truth is more dangerous than any god.

What do you think? Should the movie open with Radahn’s final stand… or a whisper from the starless void? Drop your own pitch in the comments. 🔥🌌