Can Borderlands Recover From Its Unfavorable Reception?
While Borderlands' cinematic debut had a rotten tomatoes score of only 10%, there is still potential to make this franchise a successful movie series.
This has made many fans concerned that the film was not given a fair shake on the big screen adaptation. But what needs to be understood is that a lot of the problems arose due to some significant deviations from the source material, resulting in characters appearing significantly different to those who have come to enjoy the Video Game adaptation of this sci-fi universe. This has been compounded by some poorly-received characterizations and portrayals - Cate Blanchett as Lilith, or Kevin Hart as Roland (a character originally portrayed by a different actor, not one who had such a highly-recognizable presence and popularity), were seen by some as being completely out-of-touch. This was amplified further with characters like Handsome Jack being conspicuously absent, leaving some to feel that the production didn't do a good enough job of capturing what makes the franchise so great: the complex storylines. However, many fans appreciated Borderlands for its unique take on its universe.
How Could The Next Borderlands Movie Work?
Despite its underwhelming performance, Borderlands is capable of doing a lot better - fans were thrilled with Borderlands 2 and its expansion to cinematic franchise. While the producers have expressed that they are uncertain about a Borderlands movie , many hope that a Borderlands film can successfully emerge. It all hinges on one crucial aspect:
There is a need for a complete Reboot.
How Would a Reboot Fix The Movie?
This would require a reboot of the film, bringing it back to its roots, one which focuses on the overall lore. Instead of a completely new storyline (one which deviates significantly from the source material), producers and filmmakers must embrace the cinematic universe that fans have become accustomed to: the Vault Hunters and those vault hunter abilities that make them powerful.
Fans have responded with an array of emotions ranging from heartbreak, dismay, as well as those who feel a renewed sense of hope for a borderlands movie 2. While it's true that the franchise did stumble in the execution, there is a sense of excitement that remains with its fans. These fans remain invested in the gameplay experience and its characters.
What Would A Reboot Focus On?
Producers are already exploring the potential of Borderlands 2 - an opportunity to make those adjustments to the story, characters and overall narrative structure to make the production something special, particularly those who are excited about exploring those memorable side quests, one of the main components that gives the franchise a distinct advantage. They can also revisit those side quests - and include those who are also waiting for more. These characters - like Lilith, Handsome Jack, and the others were fan-favorites in the game. A reboot could provide a better picture of the relationship between Roland and the tycoon, as well as give those who enjoyed the game, another reason to embrace this world that was once explored on the smaller screen, but could have even greater opportunities for expansion. There is also an exciting prospect for this universe to be expanded, and this time with the right borderlands cast to give a truly remarkable and, frankly, an iconic feel to those video game counterparts. The story has a tremendous amount of potential: Claptrap, Tannis, and Moxxi could all play a major role, in addition to the return of the more popular characters, and all of this would likely provide for an incredible story arc, one which brings both a thrill of suspense along with humor, making it something special.
It could be one of the most anticipated releases.
Could They Create A Borderlands Universe?
The Borderlands Movie also offered a brief glimpse of the overall world of Pandora, and the complexity of its environment. While a movie has the ability to offer viewers an experience - a world full of Rakk and other wild creatures, those who are eager to continue exploring the overall lore might have more fun in this universe.
This is what makes Gearbox Software, one of the creators of Borderlands 2, keen on exploring the game universe and 2K Games are behind many popular video game adaptations that have transitioned to live-action adaptation. This also shows Randy Pitchford (the Gearbox Software president and, most recently, its CEO), along with Eli Roth (one of Hollywood's most recognizable directors), are passionate about what they have to offer to fans - which would give the series another chance to show up on the big screen - if done properly, a Borderlands sequel can still create an impressive experience for its viewers.
What Are The Differences In The Game And Movie Versions of The Characters?
The Borderlands game featured characters with specific roles and unique features. Some of the key characters in the Borderlands games that had very strong story lines: Maya, Zer0, Brick, and Scooter, and there is always the anticipation about those legendary weapons, such as those weapons associated with The Krieg . Many of the fans of Borderlands also enjoyed those side-elements like the Eridian Artifact and the ability to upgrade one’s character's skill, as well as to get to choose your path - each of which played a role in the gameplay experience.
These are elements that could easily translate over to the cinematic universe , making the movie even better. There is a good chance for a strong resurgence for this cinematic franchise and the opportunity for a second film.
