Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a 2023 fantasy heist comedy film directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The screenplay was co-written by Goldstein, Daley, and Michael Gilio based on a story by Chris McKay and Gilio. Adapted from the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons, the film takes place in the Forgotten Realms setting and is not connected to the earlier film trilogy that ran from 2000 to 2012.

The film stars Chris Pine as bard Edgin Darvis, Michelle Rodriguez as barbarian Holga Kilgore, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant. The story follows Edgin and Holga as they team up with a mismatched group of heroes to steal a powerful relic, facing off against evil forces along the way.

Production began in 2013, initially with Warner Bros. Pictures, but later moved to Paramount Pictures following a legal battle over the film rights. Filming took place in various locations, including Iceland and Northern Ireland.

The film premiered on 10 March 2023 at the South by Southwest festival and was released in the United States on 31 March 2023. Despite receiving positive reviews for its cast performances, direction, and humor, the film grossed $208.2 million at the box office, which was considered below expectations against its $150 million production budget.

Plot Summary:

Before being imprisoned, Edgin Darvis was a member of the Harpers, a group of peacekeepers. After the death of his wife at the hands of a Red Wizard, Edgin, along with Holga, turns to theft in an attempt to provide for his daughter, Kira. They gather a team that includes Simon, an amateur sorcerer; Forge, a rogue; and Sofina, a mysterious ally.

During a heist, Edgin tries to steal a magical Tablet of Reawakening to bring back his wife, but he and Holga get caught. After two years in prison, they escape and discover that Forge is now the Lord of Neverwinter, manipulating Kira into believing her father's greed led to his capture. Forge and Sofina have set up a trap, but the duo devises a plan to rob Forge and reclaim Kira.

Their adventure leads them to recruit Doric, a druid, who helps infiltrate Forge's castle. They learn about powerful relics and face a series of challenges involving magical defenses, undead foes, and intense battles. The group eventually realizes that Sofina plans to use the High Sun Games to raise an undead army. In a thrilling climax, they must thwart her plans and rescue Kira, leading to a heartwarming conclusion.

Cast:

• Chris Pine as Edgin Darvis, the bard and leader of the group.
• Michelle Rodriguez as Holga Kilgore, the loyal barbarian.
• Regé-Jean Page as Xenk Yendar, a noble paladin.
• Justice Smith as Simon Aumar, the half-elf sorcerer.
• Sophia Lillis as Doric, the druid.
• Hugh Grant as Forge Fitzwilliam, the cunning rogue.
• Chloe Coleman as Kira Darvis, Edgin's daughter.
• Daisy Head as Sofina, the antagonist.

Production Details:

The film took shape through various phases of development, facing numerous changes in writers and directors. The final approach focused on creating a light-hearted adventure that respects the source material while being accessible to a broader audience. The directors aimed to capture the spirit of role-playing games, emphasizing teamwork and creativity.

Reception:

Upon release, the film received favorable reviews from critics, with a rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences enjoyed its humor, engaging performances, and visual effects, although some noted that it fell short of its box office expectations due to competition from other films.

Overall, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves offers a fun and exciting experience for both fans of the game and newcomers, blending adventure, comedy, and heart in a way that celebrates the joy of storytelling. The film invites viewers to join the adventure without needing to be familiar with the game's intricate lore.