As the popularity and quality of live-action video game movies grow, so too, does their ability to attract the attention of award-winning actors renowned for their mastery of the craft. It helps, of course, that Lionsgate’s upcoming Borderlands adaptation has prolific director Eli Roth at its helm, a household name joined by the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Hart, all of whom are confirmed to star.
Interestingly, while the film’s screenplay, co-written by Craig Mazin and Roth, diverges quite noticeably from Gearbox Software’s source material, the latter is keen to emphasize that next year’s cinematic trip to Pandora has been produced with new and hardcore audiences alike.
In an interview with Collider, Roth stressed that “You do not have to have played the game to enjoy the film”, likening it to Fifth Element and Raiders of the Lost Ark as an accessible adventure flick at its core not requiring external knowledge.
With that said, however, plenty of Easter eggs for hardcore fans are promised, with the hope for those getting their first taste of the zany looter shooter franchise on the big screen being a powerful advertisement encouraging them to try out the games.
As for when both camps can expect to join Lilith, Roland and Claptrap on their quest to rescue the missing daughter of Atlas, a release date have yet to be put forward, though with filming recently confirmed to have wrapped, it shouldn’t be too long until Lionsgate has more Borderlands news to share, so stay tuned.
Folks eager to familiarize themselves with the games ahead of the movie’s opening in theaters can pick up the latest installment, Borderlands 3, on Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC now.