Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a 2023 action-adventure fantasy film based on the legendary tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons. Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the film brings the world of Forgotten Realms to life in a standalone cinematic adventure. It stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant, combining humor, action, and classic RPG archetypes into a story of redemption and found family.
Dungeons & Dragons – Honor Among Thieves Official Trailer
What Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves About?
Set in the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms, the story follows Edgin Darvis, a former Harper and grieving father who, alongside his barbarian friend Holga, attempts to steal a relic that could bring his wife back from the dead. After a heist goes wrong, Edgin and Holga are imprisoned, only to later discover their former ally Forge has taken over the city of Neverwinter—and has turned Edgin’s daughter against him.
To steal back what was lost and stop a greater threat—the necromantic Red Wizard Sofina—Edgin gathers a mismatched party including a wild magic sorcerer, a shape-shifting druid, and a holy paladin. Together, they must outwit deadly traps, fight mythical creatures, and navigate personal insecurities in a mission that feels like a cinematic dungeon crawl.
Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Worth Watching?
Yes—and here’s why:
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- Accessible to All: Whether you’re a D&D veteran or a fantasy newcomer, the film is written to be enjoyable without prior knowledge of the lore.
- Fast-Paced and Fun: The story mirrors a tabletop campaign—unexpected twists, comedic banter, and bold improvisation included.
- Emotional Core: Despite its chaotic tone, the film never loses its emotional center, particularly in Edgin’s evolving relationship with his daughter and his ultimate sacrifice.
- Visually Rich: From mimic chests to gelatinous cubes to a chonky dragon in the Underdark, the world feels alive and filled with familiar D&D flavor.
The Party – Main Characters and Cast
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Edgin Darvis | Chris Pine | A bard and former Harper turned thief, seeking redemption |
| Holga Kilgore | Michelle Rodriguez | A barbarian with a fierce heart and Edgin’s loyal companion |
| Simon Aumar | Justice Smith | A half-elf wild magic sorcerer, descendant of Elminster |
| Doric | Sophia Lillis | A tiefling druid and Emerald Enclave rebel |
| Forge Fitzwilliam | Hugh Grant | A cunning rogue who manipulates his way into power |
| Xenk Yendar | Regé-Jean Page | A noble paladin with a tragic past, committed to justice |
| Sofina | Daisy Head | A Red Wizard of Thay and the main antagonist |
| Kira Darvis | Chloe Coleman | Edgin’s daughter, caught in a web of deception by Forge |
| Marlamin | Bradley Cooper (cameo) | Holga’s halfling ex-husband |
Production Background and Inspirations
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- Development Hell: The film had a long development history starting in 2013, moving through Warner Bros., Universal, and eventually landing at Paramount.
- Heist Meets Fantasy: The creative team leaned into the heist movie structure to make the world accessible. Influences include The Princess Bride, Indiana Jones, and Monty Python.
- Authentic D&D Spirit: The cast played a full D&D campaign in character before filming, helping them connect with the spirit of the game.
- Visual Design: Classic D&D monsters like the gelatinous cube, owlbear, mimics, and Themberchaud the dragon are faithfully rendered.
Box Office and Critical Reception
| Release Date | March 31, 2023 (US) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $150 million |
| Box Office | $208.2 million worldwide |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% (critics) / 93% (audience) |
| CinemaScore | A− |
Despite strong reviews and enthusiastic audience reception, the film underperformed financially due to its high production cost. Still, it’s considered a cult favorite in modern fantasy cinema.
Possible Sequel and Future of the Franchise
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- Sequel Plans: As of 2023, a sequel remains possible, though it would require a smaller budget. The directors expressed interest in continuing with the same characters but adding new ones along the way.
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- Spin-off Series: A planned live-action spin-off TV series received a greenlight from Paramount+, but was later canceled in 2024. The project is now being re-developed under Hasbro Entertainment with a new creative team.
Dungeons & Dragons FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to know anything about Dungeons & Dragons to enjoy the film?
A: Not at all. The movie is designed to be welcoming to newcomers while still honoring longtime fans.
Q: Is it connected to the older D&D films from the 2000s?
A: No, this is a completely standalone story set in the Forgotten Realms with no ties to the previous trilogy.
Q: Is the dragon really that fat?
A: Yes—and it’s a highlight. Themberchaud, the comically overweight red dragon, is a fan-favorite monster pulled directly from the source material.
Q: Are the characters based on actual D&D classes?
A: Yes! Bard (Edgin), Barbarian (Holga), Sorcerer (Simon), Druid (Doric), Paladin (Xenk), and Rogue (Forge) all align with traditional D&D classes.
Q: Is there a post-credit scene?
A: Yes, and it’s as absurd and delightful as you’d expect from a campaign full of misfits and undead corpses.
Conclusion – A Critical Hit for Fans and Newcomers Alike
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves succeeds where many fantasy films fail—it balances heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure while keeping things light and fun. With memorable characters, vibrant world-building, and nods to RPG mechanics, the film is a love letter to tabletop gaming and the chaos that comes with it.
Whether you’re a Dungeon Master or a first-time viewer, this film rolls a natural 20 on entertainment.
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