Summary
Borderlandsdirector Eli Roth explained that the film’s production took notes from Marvel Studios' highly successful film franchise. The MCU raked in billions upon billions of dollars over the past 15 years, redefining film adaptations in key ways.
In an era where film adaptations are seeing more success than ever,Borderlandsbenefited from observing the strategies of those who went before. Productions likeThe Avengers,HBO’sThe Last of Us,The Super Mario Bros. Movie,and Five Nights at Freddy’sare just a few that have all taken advantage of this same approach.
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During an interview withIGN, Roth detailed how Gearbox Software’s CEO instructed him to tackle theBorderlandsmovie. He was told not to feel restricted by the game’s canon and instead should feel free to create his own canon for the film. Recent film adaptations have taken significant departures from their parent material,similar to the MCU. As long as the movies are entertaining and still pay homage to their roots, fans seemingly don’t mind. At least not enough to affect ratings or box office returns significantly.
There are certain things that we kept very, very close, but I really worked with [Gearbox Software CEO] Randy Pitchford, and he goes, ‘Think of it like Marvel, where the comics are their own canon and the movies are their own canon, and you don’t have to be married to it. The games are going to be the games and the movie’s, the movie, and if they continue it, great.' So we could use certain things, but I didn’t want to have to be too slavish. I didn’t just want to film the game. We wanted to tell a great story on its own, but of course it’s loaded with Easter eggs for the fans. It’s a big movie.
However, theBorderlandsdirector clarified that the film still features several easter eggs and references to the original game’s story. Roth explained that it’s not necessarily a separate canon but rather a marrying of the original canon with a new one. The 2024 film boasts an impressive cast, with Hollywood heavyweights such as Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Hart signed to the project.Borderlandsreshootswrapped shooting in early 2023, with a release date set for June 24, 2025.
Understandably, many Hollywood projects prefer to inject their own flair into stories taken from video games. What works in a video game to captivate fans may often not work as effectively in a film. Thanks to a video game’s high level of interactivity, players sink into these characters and settings in a completely different way from how passive viewers of a film or show do.
A recent production likeThe Last of Ustook substantial freedomsin adding its own storylines, themes, and settings to the story. While some diehard fans of the games were hoping for a faithful retelling, the show was met with acclaim and strong ratings, and now the franchise’s dedicated fanbase is eagerly awaiting the show’s second season.Borderlandsseems to be mimicking this tried-and-true approach seen in recent film adaptations, although likely in a much more comedic fashion.
Borderlandswill bereleased in theaters on May 17, 2025.
Borderlands
Borderlands is a action RPG first person shooter created by Gearbox Software and Published by 2K Games. The series is commonly called a looter shooter set in a space Western style, where players can select from multiple classes that can level up and acquire new skills. The franchise has quickly become one of the best selling franchises and produced spin-offs like Tales from the Borderlands as well as a film adaptation being developed by Lionsgate.
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