Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) successfully translates the chaotic spirit of the iconic tabletop roleplaying game to the big screen. Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the film embraces the humour, camaraderie, and unpredictability of a real D&D campaign while delivering a polished fantasy adventure. Unlike previous attempts to adapt the franchise, this iteration balances action, wit, and heart, making it accessible to both dedicated fans and newcomers.
Production and Direction
Goldstein and Daley, known for their work on Game Night, approached the film with a clear vision: to create a fantasy epic that didn’t take itself too seriously. Shot in Iceland and Northern Ireland, the production relied on a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the Forgotten Realms to life. The filmmakers worked closely with Wizards of the Coast to ensure authenticity, incorporating familiar spells, monsters, and locations from the game.
Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast delivers performances that capture the essence of classic D&D archetypes:
- Chris Pine as Edgin Darvis, a quick-witted bard whose charm masks a tragic past.
- Michelle Rodriguez as Holga Kilgore, a battle-hardened barbarian with a dry sense of humour.
- Justice Smith as Simon Aumar, a self-doubting sorcerer struggling to master his magic.
- Sophia Lillis as Doric, a rebellious tiefling druid who can shapeshift into animals.
- Regé-Jean Page as Xenk Yendar, an overly literal paladin whose unwavering honour becomes a running joke.
- Hugh Grant as Forge Fitzwilliam, a smarmy rogue-turned-villain who steals every scene.
Plot Overview
After a failed heist lands Edgin and Holga in prison, they escape to reunite with Edgin’s daughter, only to find their former ally Forge has betrayed them and seized power. To reclaim what’s theirs, they assemble an unlikely party, Simon the sorcerer, Doric the druid, and Xenk the paladin, and embark on a quest filled with traps, monsters, and moral quandaries. The story mirrors a classic D&D campaign, complete with improvisational solutions and last-minute twists.
Weapons and Combat: Aligning with D&D Mechanics
The film’s action sequences stay true to the game’s mechanics while adding cinematic flair.
Holga’s Greataxe (Barbarian Class)
- In-Game Equivalent: A standard greataxe (1d12 slashing damage).
- Film Depiction: Holga wields a massive, double-headed axe, cleaving through enemies with brute strength. Her fighting style reflects the barbarian’s Reckless Attack ability, trading defence for overwhelming offence.
Xenk’s Longsword (Paladin Class)
- In-Game Equivalent: A longsword (1d8/1d10 versatile) with Divine Smite.
- Film Depiction: Xenk fights with precise, honourable strikes, channelling radiant energy, akin to a paladin’s Smite ability. His combat mirrors the class’s disciplined, righteous nature.
Doric’s Wild Shape (Druid Class)
- In-Game Equivalent: Wild Shape, allowing transformation into beasts.
- Film Depiction: Doric shifts into an owlbear, a homebrew creature often used in D&D campaigns. The chaotic, fluid nature of her transformations captures the druid’s versatility.
Simon’s Magic (Sorcerer Class)
- In-Game Equivalent: Chaos Bolt, Mage Hand, and other sorcerer spells.
- Film Depiction: Simon’s magic is erratic, reflecting his lack of confidence. His spells fizzle or backfire, until a climactic moment where he embraces his power, much like a sorcerer gaining control of their Metamagic.
Memorable Dialogue
The script excels at blending humour with character depth:
- “We’re going to need a team.” – Edgin, the reluctant leader.
- “I don’t mind that he’s evil. I mind that he’s so annoyingly lawful.” – Doric, on Xenk.
- “Just because that sentence is symmetrical doesn’t mean it’s not nonsense.” – Holga, dismissing paladin wisdom.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The film was praised for its lighthearted tone, strong character dynamics, and faithfulness to D&D’s spirit. Critics highlighted Chris Pine’s charisma and Hugh Grant’s scene-stealing villainy. While not a box office juggernaut, it revitalised interest in D&D as a cinematic franchise, paving the way for potential sequels.
Where to Watch
As of 2024, Honor Among Thieves is available on:
- Paramount+ (subscription)
- Amazon Prime Video (rental/purchase)
- Apple TV and Google Play Movies (digital purchase)
- Blu-ray (physical release)
Seven Swords Verdict
Honor Among Thieves succeeds where past D&D adaptations failed by embracing the game’s improvisational, collaborative nature. It’s a love letter to tabletop RPGs, funny, heartfelt, and packed with adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon master or a casual viewer, this film delivers a rollicking good time.
Watch the trailer:
