Kit Connor is stepping into a new level of his career with his leading role in the upcoming Elden Ring film, a large-scale fantasy production from A24.
The film, directed by Alex Garland, is based on the globally successful video game and is expected to be one of the studio’s most ambitious projects to date.
Connor’s casting places him at the center of a major franchise at a notably early stage in his career, writes Deadline.
His rise has been rapid.
He became widely known through his role as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper, a series that resonated strongly with LGBTQ audiences and helped position him as one of the most visible young queer actors of his generation.
In 2022, Connor publicly came out as bisexual following intense public speculation, highlighting both the opportunities and pressures faced by young actors navigating identity in the spotlight.
The transition from a character-driven coming-of-age series to a large-scale fantasy film represents a significant shift in scope and expectation.
However, the casting also reflects a broader change in the industry.
Connor is not the only queer presence attached to the project.
He will be joined by Ben Whishaw, an openly gay actor with an established career spanning independent cinema, television, and major studio productions.
Whishaw has spoken openly about the challenges faced by LGBTQ actors in the industry, particularly in earlier stages of his career when being openly gay was seen as a potential limitation.
The pairing of Connor and Whishaw highlights a generational contrast.
One represents a new wave of visibility.
The other reflects a path that required navigating a more restrictive environment.
Together, they represent a shift in how queer actors are positioned within major productions.
The film itself is based on a complex dark fantasy world created in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, with a story centered on a character attempting to restore a shattered realm.
Production is currently underway, with filming taking place in the United Kingdom and additional shoots planned in Iceland.
The film is scheduled for release in 2028.
As anticipation builds, the casting alone has already generated discussion.
Not just about the film itself, but about what it represents.
A moment where queer actors are not only present in major productions, but central to them.