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Borderlands: A Box Office Misfire
This past year saw the release of Borderlands, a video game adaptation that has been widely noted as one of the least successful films of 2024. Directed by Eli Roth, this ambitious project featured a roster of renowned stars including Cate Blanchett and Jamie Lee Curtis, yet it managed to bring in a mere $33 million, a disappointing figure for a film with such high expectations.
In a recent interview on The Town podcast, Roth reflected on the challenges that plagued the film’s production, attributing much of its failure to factors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. He described the filming experience as chaotic, suggesting that the pandemic’s impact on the industry was not fully anticipated. Roth’s comments reveal a deeper understanding of the obstacles filmmakers faced during this tumultuous time.
“We got our asses handed to us,” Roth stated candidly, pointing out that the pandemic complicated not just the shooting schedule but also the necessary reshoots and pick-up shots. “With different teams working on various sets, outbreaks would shut everything down, making collaboration exceptionally difficult. Trying to prep for a large-scale movie over Zoom was an unrealistic expectation, and the results reflected that,” he explained.
Filming began in April 2021 and extended through June of that year, later requiring additional reshoots in early 2023. However, Roth was not involved in these reshoots as he was occupied with another project. Tim Miller, known for directing Deadpool, stepped in to oversee the adjustments to the film, which Roth did not view until its premiere. “I remember feeling uncertain about watching my own film; it’s odd to sit down for something that I had a hand in creating and not know how it would unfold,” he recounted.
‘Borderlands’: A PG-13 Miscalculation
Critically, Borderlands did not fare well, earning a mere 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. Numerous reviews denounced the film for several issues, particularly its pacing and failure to capture the essence of the popular video game series. Scott J. Davis of SciFiNow noted, “Even the most ardent, die-hard game enthusiasts will find this one hard to forgive,” signaling a disconnect between the film’s creators and its target audience.
Critiques also highlighted that the film’s PG-13 rating was a significant misstep. Fans of the Borderlands franchise are accustomed to a level of intensity and gore that was notably toned down for the adaptation. Many believe that this decision alienated the very demographic the film aimed to attract. With Roth’s intent to reach a broader audience, the film sacrificed elements that could have satisfied longtime fans and potentially led to greater box office success.
Sean P. Means from The Movie Cricket expressed a dire viewpoint, describing the movie as “void of creative energy” and lacking a compelling reason for its existence. This sentiment echoes a broader concern in the entertainment industry about content that fails to resonate with its intended viewers.
While the pandemic undeniably played a role in the difficulties encountered during production, the decision to appeal to a wider audience rather than focus on the core fanbase may have critical implications for future adaptations. With a strong foundation of gamers who wanted a true representation of their beloved franchise, Borderlands could have turned out differently had it aligned more closely with audience expectations.
As the industry continues to navigate the shifting landscape of film production post-pandemic, the lessons from Borderlands could inform how future projects are developed to better meet audience demand and uphold creative integrity.
Source: The Town
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movieweb.com