The cinematic adaptation of Gearbox Software`s wildly popular looter-shooter, Borderlands, recently concluded its theatrical run with a whimper, not a bang. Raking in a mere $33 million globally against a hefty budget, the film joined the growing roster of video game adaptations that failed to resonate with both critics and the broader audience. Yet, in the wake of this commercial and critical disappointment, an intriguing perspective emerges from Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, offering a lesson in creative persistence, even when the vault remains stubbornly locked.
When the Dice Don`t Roll Your Way: The Financial Fallout
For Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, the Borderlands movie was far from a critical darling, and certainly not a cash cow. With a reported production cost of $120 million, plus “tens of millions” more poured into marketing, the $33 million box office return represents a significant financial miss. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer minced no words in his post-mortem assessment:
“Nearly everything that could go wrong did go wrong. It sat on the shelf for too long during the pandemic, and reshoots and rising interest rates took it outside the safety zone of our usual strict financial models.”
This candid admission paints a picture of a production plagued by external factors—a perfect storm of pandemic-induced delays, costly reshoots, and an unforgiving economic climate. It underscores the precarious nature of big-budget filmmaking, where even a well-established intellectual property (IP) and a star-studded cast are no guarantee of success.
Randy Pitchford`s Beatle-esque Philosophy of Failure
Amidst the sobering financial reports, Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, offered a surprisingly philosophical and somewhat whimsical take on the film`s underperformance. Speaking to The Gamer, Pitchford expressed an unwavering openness to future transmedia endeavors, likening creative attempts to the output of legendary musicians:
“I love The Beatles, and there`s lots of Beatles music, [and] I just absolutely can`t listen to some of it. I think it`s unlistenable. Should we say, `You know what? You made an unlistenable song […], therefore, make no more music.` That`s not the attitude, you know, keep making music.”
It`s a bold comparison, one that implicitly places a multi-million-dollar movie flop on a similar spectrum to an experimental track from the Fab Four. While some might find the analogy a touch ambitious, Pitchford`s underlying message is clear: creative industries are inherently about taking risks, and not every swing will be a home run. The key, he suggests, is to keep swinging. This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood`s often risk-averse nature, though one might reasonably hope for a better batting average when nine-figure investments are on the line.
Perhaps even more humbly, Pitchford readily admitted that had he taken the director`s chair, the outcome would have been “way worse.” “I promise you, if I directed that movie, it`d be a disaster,” he stated, demonstrating a self-awareness that is, frankly, quite endearing in an industry often characterized by unchecked ego.
The Paradox of Star Power and Established IP
The Borderlands movie boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis—names that typically attract audiences. The existence of a passionate fanbase for the game series further fueled expectations. Yet, this potent combination failed to ignite the box office. This raises persistent questions about the alchemy of video game adaptations:
- Is fidelity enough, or is true reinvention required? Fans often demand loyalty to the source material, but cinema requires its own narrative rhythm and character development that games don`t always translate directly.
- Does star power trump a strong script? Sometimes, a big name attached to a shaky premise can be more of a distraction than a draw.
- What motivates a star? Cate Blanchett`s candid remark about taking the role “to get herself out of the house during Covid” adds a touch of relatable, yet perhaps uninspiring, pragmatism to the entire affair.
The Borderlands film`s trajectory serves as another cautionary tale for Hollywood`s ongoing quest to crack the video game adaptation code. For every Super Mario Bros. Movie or Sonic the Hedgehog that finds success, there`s a Borderlands or a Warcraft struggling to connect.
The Games Endure: A Glimmer of Hope in Pandora`s Future
While the silver screen venture stumbled, the core video game franchise continues to thrive. Fans eagerly await the release of Borderlands 4, slated for September 12 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, with a PS5 physical release following in October. This stark contrast highlights a crucial point: the primary engagement with the Borderlands universe remains firmly rooted in its interactive origins. The games offer the true “looter-shooter” experience, the unique humor, and the memorable characters that built the franchise`s enduring appeal.
Conclusion: Keep Swinging, But Learn From the Misses
The Borderlands movie`s disappointing performance is a complex blend of external circumstances and perhaps a miscalculation in its creative execution. Randy Pitchford`s “keep swinging” philosophy, while perhaps a slight oversimplification of multi-million dollar investments, nonetheless encapsulates an essential truth about creative endeavors: failure is often a precursor to eventual success. For Hollywood, the lesson is perhaps to refine its pitch. For Gearbox, the focus remains on delivering the high-octane, loot-filled mayhem that fans truly crave in their native medium. As the industry continues to explore transmedia opportunities, the hope is that future “swings” will be informed by past misses, leading to adaptations that truly hit their mark.
Callum Darby