Borderlands 4 Teased on the Coattails of Disastrous Movie Release

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 hinted at progress on Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of ongoing development comes amidst fan disappointment with the film adaptation.

Confirmation of Borderlands 4 Development

Pitchford recently expressed gratitude to fans, highlighting their enduring love for the Borderlands games, a sentiment exceeding the reception of the recent movie. He further alluded to the team's dedicated work on the next installment, sparking anticipation among fans. This follows earlier comments in a GamesRadar+ interview suggesting several major Gearbox projects are underway, with imminent news on the next Borderlands title.

The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, following Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands franchise, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 2K's fastest-selling title record (19 million copies). Borderlands 2 remains their best-selling game, exceeding 28 million copies since its 2012 release.

Movie's Poor Reception Fuels Speculation

Pitchford's social media comments followed the movie's significant negative reception. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including IMAX, the film's opening weekend gross was a mere $4 million, falling far short of projections and its $115 million budget. Critics panned the film, citing a disconnect with the franchise's established charm and humor, and a perceived attempt to appeal to a younger demographic without success. Reviewers, like Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews, highlighted the film's failure to capture the essence of the games.

The underwhelming performance of the Borderlands movie serves as a cautionary tale for video game adaptations. However, Gearbox remains focused on delivering a successful Borderlands 4 to its dedicated fanbase.