Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 Development Following Movie Flop
Following the disastrous box office performance of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again teased the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of ongoing work on the next installment comes amidst a wave of fan disappointment over the film's critical and commercial failure.
Pitchford expressed gratitude to fans, highlighting their continued passion for the game series as exceeding their enthusiasm for the movie adaptation. He emphasized the team's dedicated efforts on the next Borderlands title, fueling fan anticipation for further updates. This recent comment builds upon earlier statements made last month in a GamesRadar+ interview, where Pitchford alluded to several significant 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, boasting over 83 million units sold since its 2009 debut, is a proven success, with Borderlands 3 achieving record-breaking sales for 2K and Borderlands 2 remaining the company's top-selling title.
The underwhelming reception of the Borderlands movie, however, provides a stark contrast. The film's dismal opening weekend gross of just $4 million, despite a wide release and premium formats, points to a significant misstep. Projected to fall far short of its $115 million budget, the movie has garnered overwhelmingly negative reviews and a poor CinemaScore, disappointing even dedicated fans of the franchise. Critics have cited a disconnect with the source material, lacking the signature charm and humor that defined the game series.
While the movie's failure serves as a cautionary tale for video game adaptations, Gearbox remains focused on delivering a successful next chapter in the Borderlands saga, aiming to recapture the magic that has made the games so popular. The CEO's continued hints strongly suggest that the wait for Borderlands 4 may soon be over.