After finally settling a lengthy legal battle last year, Warner Bros., Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures and Sweetpea Entertainment finally teamed up for a feature film adaptation ofDungeons & Dragons. Last month, it was confirmed that directorRob Letterman(Goosebumps) will take the helm on thisfantasy adaptation, and now we have word that the first cast member is eyeing the project.Ansel Elgort(Divergent) is in early talks to star in the adaptation.
Deadlinereports that if a deal is finalized,Ansel Elgortwill have a “primo role” in the adaptation, although it isn’t exactly clear which character he may be playing. While no story details have been revealed yet, producerRoy Leerevealed earlier this year that the story will be similar in tone toGuardians of the Galaxy, set in a “Tolkien-like universe.” Warner Bros. hasn’t issued an official release date forDungeons & Dragons.
Rob Lettermanis directing from a script byDavid Leslie Johnson(The Conjuring 2). ProducerRoy Leeteased that the movie will be set entirely in the fantasy world, and that the Yawning Portal from the game will have a huge part in the story.Dungeons & Dragonswas first adapted into a movie in 2000, starringJeremy Irons, although it was a critical and commercial flop. This adaptation is said to take a much different approach to that earlier project. There were also rumors thatVin Dieselwas wanted for this movie, but it isn’t known if he has come aboard or not.
Dungeons & Dragonsfirst became popular in 1974, and since then has amassed millions of players and fans worldwide. The hugely popular property has also influenced numerous writers, directors, game designers, and other creative professionals throughout its four decades. The project was hung up in alegal battlefor years over the rights to the property, which finally came to an end last year.Roy Leewill produce alongside Hasbro’sBrian GoldnerandStephen Davisand SweetPea Entertainment’sCourtney SolomonandAllan Zeman.
Ansel Elgortmade his feature film debut just three years ago in the horror remakeCarrie, and in 2014, he signed on to play Tris Prior’s brother Caleb inDivergent. He has reprised that role for the sequelsAllegiant,Insurgentand the franchise finaleAscendant, which hits theaters next spring. He also has a number of films in post-production such asBaby Driver,Billionaire Boys ClubandNovember Criminals.
