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, emphasizing their continued enthusiasm for the game franchise, which significantly outweighs the reception of the recent movie. He further indicated that the team is actively working on the next installment, sparking excitement among fans. This follows a previous GamesRadar+ interview where Pitchford alluded to several large-scale projects underway at Gearbox, suggesting an imminent announcement regarding the next Borderlands game.
The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, coinciding with 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 status at 19 million copies. Borderlands 2 remains the company's top-selling game, having sold over 28 million copies since its 2012 release.
Movie's Poor Performance Fuels Speculation
Pitchford's social media comments followed the significant backlash against the Borderlands movie. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including premium IMAX showings, the film grossed a mere $4 million in its opening weekend, far below projections and its $115 million production budget. The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews, becoming a notable critical failure of the summer. Critics and fans alike cited a disconnect between the film and the spirit of the original games, lacking the charm and humor that defined the franchise's success. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews highlighted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to a younger demographic, resulting in a subpar cinematic experience.
The underwhelming performance of the Borderlands movie serves as a cautionary tale for video game adaptations, but Gearbox remains focused on delivering a successful next installment in the Borderlands game series for its dedicated fanbase.