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 teased the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of the project's progress comes amidst fan disappointment with the film adaptation.

Progress on Borderlands 4 Confirmed (Sort Of)

Pitchford recently expressed his appreciation for the enduring fan loyalty to the Borderlands franchise, noting it significantly outweighed the reception to the movie. He further indicated active development on the next installment, fueling anticipation amongst fans. This follows a previous GamesRadar+ interview where Pitchford alluded to several large-scale projects at Gearbox, hinting at an imminent announcement regarding the next Borderlands game.

Officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K following Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox, Borderlands 4's development is no longer a secret. The Borderlands series, boasting over 83 million units sold since its 2009 debut, has proven its commercial success, with Borderlands 3 becoming 2K's fastest-selling title (19 million copies) and Borderlands 2 its best-selling (over 28 million copies).

Movie's Failure Underscores the Challenge of Adaptation

Pitchford's comments arrive on the heels of a disastrous opening weekend for the Borderlands movie. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including IMAX screenings, the film grossed a mere $4 million, far below projections and its hefty $115 million budget. Critics and fans alike expressed disappointment, citing a disconnect from the source material's charm and humor. Reviewers pointed to a misguided attempt to appeal to a younger demographic, resulting in a lackluster final product.

The underwhelming performance serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in adapting beloved video games into successful films. However, Gearbox remains committed to delivering a winning experience for its dedicated gaming fanbase with the upcoming Borderlands 4.