Fantasy has been a cornerstone of cinema since its earliest days, from the whimsical shorts of Georges Méliès to modern masterpieces like Wildwood. The genre continues to captivate audiences, and the coming years promise a treasure trove of magical adventures. Whether it's a distant project like Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest or an imminent release like Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, there's no shortage of fantasy films to get excited about. But some projects generate more than just excitement—they inspire pure, unadulterated hype. Here are the six upcoming fantasy movies that have us counting down the days.
6. Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest (2029)
George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books became a cultural phenomenon thanks to HBO's Game of Thrones, and the franchise has only grown with spin-offs like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Now, the world of Westeros is set to make its big-screen debut with Aegon's Conquest, directed by Owen Harris and written by Mattson Tomlin and Beau Willimon. Set a century before House of the Dragon, the film will chronicle Aegon the First's conquest of Westeros with his sister-wives and their dragons. With a tentative 2029 release, this is a project that has been in the works for years, and fans are eager to see if the franchise can translate to cinema as successfully as it has on television.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is widely considered the greatest fantasy novel of the 20th century, and Peter Jackson's film adaptation remains a benchmark for the genre. Now, Andy Serkis is set to direct and star in The Hunt for Gollum, a new live-action film that will follow Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn (Jamie Dornan) as they track down Gollum (Serkis). With many key figures from the original trilogy returning, this project feels like a passion play rather than a cash grab, and it's poised to be a thrilling addition to the Middle-earth saga.
4. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew (2027)
After the success of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Narnia franchise went dormant, but Netflix is reviving it with a new adaptation of The Magician's Nephew, written and directed by Greta Gerwig. Coming off the massive success of Barbie, Gerwig is known for taking creative risks, and early promotional material suggests she's putting her own spin on C.S. Lewis's beloved world. While some purists may be wary, Gerwig's track record suggests this will be a vibrant, imaginative, and bold take on Narnia that could redefine the franchise for a new generation.
3. Piranesi (TBA)
Susanna Clarke's Piranesi is a literary sensation, and its adaptation is one of the most intriguing projects in development. The novel, which follows a man living in a vast, infinite house filled with statues, is a mind-bending exploration of memory and reality. While details about the film are scarce, the source material is so unique that the adaptation is already generating significant buzz. Fans of Clarke's work, as well as those who appreciate cerebral fantasy, are eagerly awaiting more news.
2. The Legend of Zelda (TBA)
Nintendo's iconic video game franchise is finally getting a live-action film adaptation, and the hype is off the charts. Directed by Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner series, the movie promises to bring the beloved world of Hyrule to life. With a rich mythology and a devoted fanbase, this is one of the most anticipated video game adaptations ever. While details are still under wraps, the potential for an epic, visually stunning adventure is immense.
1. Elden Ring (TBA)
FromSoftware's Elden Ring took the gaming world by storm, and a film adaptation is in the works. With its dark, intricate lore and breathtaking world-building, the game is a natural fit for the big screen. The project is still in early development, but the combination of George R.R. Martin's storytelling and FromSoftware's atmospheric design has fans dreaming of a cinematic masterpiece. If done right, this could be the fantasy film event of the decade.
These are just a few of the fantasy films that have us excited for the future. Whether you're a fan of epic quests, magical worlds, or dark lore, there's something to look forward to. And for more fantasy content, check out our list of fantasy flops that deserve a second look or dive into the best book-based miniseries. The genre is alive and well, and the next few years are going to be magical.
