Borderlands Sequel Hinted at After Movie Flop

Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 Development Following Movie Flop

Following the box office and critical failure of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again alluded to the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of the project's ongoing progress comes amidst fan disappointment with the film adaptation.

Progress on Borderlands 4 Confirmed (Sort Of)

Pitchford publicly thanked fans, emphasizing their greater enthusiasm for the game franchise than the recent movie. He further hinted at the team's dedicated work on the next installment, sparking anticipation among fans. This latest comment builds upon his previous statements in a GamesRadar+ interview, where he alluded to several large-scale projects in development at Gearbox, suggesting an imminent announcement regarding the next Borderlands game.

Publisher 2K officially confirmed Borderlands 4 earlier this year, coinciding with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands series, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 2K's fastest-selling title status (19 million copies). Borderlands 2 remains the company's top seller, exceeding 28 million units sold since 2012.

Movie's Poor Reception Underscores Game Focus

Pitchford's social media comments followed significant negative reactions to the Borderlands movie. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including IMAX screenings, the film's opening weekend gross was a mere $4 million. Projected to fall far short of $10 million against its $115 million budget, the movie is considered a major box office and critical failure. Even dedicated fans expressed disappointment, resulting in a low CinemaScore. Critics cited a disconnect with the source material, lacking the humor and charm that defined the game series. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews highlighted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to younger audiences, ultimately compromising the overall quality.

The underwhelming performance of the film serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in adapting beloved video games to the big screen. However, Gearbox remains committed to delivering a successful sequel for its loyal gaming fanbase.