A new George R.R. Martin adaptation starring Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich, In the Lost Lands' cast stars Jovovich and Bautista in the lead roles.

Now, via Deadline, In the Lost Lands has received a first look at Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich, along with a US release update. Check out the image below:

The image appears to show Jovovich's Gray Alys and Bautista's Boyce in a confrontation, with her seemingly holding a knife to his throat. Additionally, Vertical has acquired the US rights to In the Lost Lands, and it will be released in theaters early next year. In light of this news, director Paul W.S. Anderson and Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey shared the following statements:

Anderson: With In the Lost Lands, we’ve created a movie with a completely unique visual style and storytelling that uses cutting-edge technology to bring the story to life like never before. So, it was always important to me that it be seen on the big screen. That’s why I couldn’t be more thrilled that Vertical is bringing In the Lost Lands to American theaters.

Jarowey: We’re thrilled to be in business with Constantin Film for the In The Lost Lands U.S. release next year. The film is a testament to how Paul and Milla’s continued partnership yields compelling cinematic experiences. Dave’s charm and humor is larger-than-life, and the cast’s chemistry radiates off the screen.

What The In The Lost Lands Image Means For The Movie

A Trailer Could Be Coming Soon

Though the image appears to show Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista's characters in a confrontation, they eventually become allies. The short story centers on a queen who, driven by her desire for happiness and love, takes a daring step by displacing the formidable and feared sorceress, Gray Alys, to the eerie, haunted Lost Lands to obtain the magical ability to transform into a werewolf. In Lost Lands, the wandering drifter Boyce becomes her guide and aids her in battling dark creatures and other ruthless foes.

In addition to revealing the first look at Jovovich and Bautista's characters, the image also marks the beginning of the movie's marketing campaign and indicates that a trailer could be coming very soon. The movie finished filming way back in February 2023 and, after struggling to find a distributor, it has finally been acquired by Vertical for a theatrical release in the United States early next year. In turn, a trailer should be ready to be released sooner rather than later. With marketing ramping up, an official release date should also be on the way.

In The Lost Lands Could Be The Adaptation Martin Needs

Martin Had Been Struggling With His Adaptations

Martin recently had a public disagreement with HBO about House of the Dragon, slamming the show as poorly thought out and unfaithful to the book. He attacked the adaptation of the infamous Blood and Cheese scene, which saw two assassins murder Helaena Targaryen's child. Martin claimed that the depiction was unfaithful and would brutally impact future storylines. After the disappointment of Game of Thrones season 8, the author is working to ensure that his latest release does not have a panned ending. Lost Lands could help to ensure that he has the influence he needs to ensure its success.

Lost Lands could also represent an opportunity for Martin to showcase that his adaptations can succeed without the company's backing. With Constantin Film and Vertical producing and distributing the movie, Martin can prove that he never needed HBO. He should also be able to boast a greater level of control, as the small-scale production is leaning on his name to ensure general recognition. If it does become a success, he will likely have an even greater influence over HBO as an author with public respect. That alone could provide additional leverage in any negotiations.

Unless Lost Lands is a massive hit, it is unlikely to change Martin's connection to HBO.

Still, Martin has already signed away much of his control over House of the Dragon and other HBO shows inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire. While the company could choose to afford him more control, the public argument is unlikely to provide a level negotiating ground. HBO already defended the Dragon creators, though it took care to avoid alienating Martin with a direct response. Martin quickly deleted the post, hinting at either legal issues or a reason for hope about their relationship. Unless Lost Lands is a massive hit, it is unlikely to change Martin's connection to HBO.

Our Take On In The Lost Lands

It Should Be GRRM's Biggest Movie Yet

While George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Fire & Blood have seen much success on the small screen with Games of Thrones and House of the Dragon, the author's works have yet to see similar success on the big screen. The film Nightflyers, based on his 1980 novella, was released to little fanfare in 1987. Boasting the duo of Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich, combined with Dave Bautista's charisma, In the Lost Lands should easily be the biggest movie yet based on George R.R. Martin's work when it releases in theaters early next year.

Source: Deadline