The reasons why Borderlands took so long to reach the big screen

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Borderlands


Between screenwriters and directors, it’s been a nearly decade-long journey to get to the adaptation of the iconic video game Borderlands.

At the heart of the film and video game industry, one question rings loudly: Why is the highly anticipated ‘Borderlands’ movie taking so long to come to fruition? This mystery unfolds in a tale of creative intrigue, the tug of talent and vision that bind their fates in the vast ‘Borderlands’ universe. Today, with the new official trailer, answers emerge, but also new questions about this saga’s journey from console to the big screen.

Video game adaptation, Borderlands, Eli Roth, Tim Miller

A bunch of screenwriters and directors

The first buzz of a ‘Borderlands’ film adaptation began in 2015, when Lionsgate announced that the project had officially begun. This advertisement not only captures the imagination of fans but also promises to boldly shake up the landscape of cinema. However, this first dream encountered an unknown reality: creative challenges and constant changes in the group.

From the departure of Aaron Berg, penned by Oren Uziel, to the arrival of Eli Roth as director, the project has been immersed in a continuous dance of vision and interpretation. Craig Mazin, acclaimed for his work on ‘Chernobyl’, came up with a new version of the script, but later recused himself from the final score. This series of changes shows not only the complexities of adapting a universe as rich and unique as ‘Borderlands’, but also finding a narrative that resonates with both fans and a wider audience.

Tim Miller and the hope of successful adaptation

‘Borderlands’ gets a breath of fresh air with Tim Miller stepping in to direct the remakes. Known for his ability to balance fast-paced action with dark humor, Miller came with a deep appreciation for the medium of video games and a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve. His experience, from directing the opening sequence of DC Universe Online to his work on the first ‘Deadpool’ film, promises an adaptation that not only captures the essence of the original game, but also delivers an exciting and satisfying cinematic experience.

Video game adaptation, Borderlands, Eli Roth, Tim MillerVideo game adaptation, Borderlands, Eli Roth, Tim Miller

The official trailer, finally revealed, gives us a glimpse of this vision, drawing criticism and praise. Casting Cate Blanchett in the lead role breaks the mold, challenging the norm of casting young actors in action projects. This gesture underscores the complexity of bringing ‘Borderlands’ to the big screen, along with the risks of comparisons with other franchises’ visual style and familiar tropes.

The end of ten years of efforts

The August 9, 2024 release date has been long and winding, marked by a commitment to turning the beloved video game into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Anticipation builds as fans and neophytes alike wait to see if the collaboration between Roth and Miller lives up to expectations with the talent in front of the camera.

Video game adaptation, Borderlands, Eli Roth, Tim MillerVideo game adaptation, Borderlands, Eli Roth, Tim Miller

This journey, full of twists and turns, challenges and changes, encapsulates the core essence of what makes the ‘Borderlands’ Saga so special: unique humor, action and unmistakable visual beauty. As we get closer to the premiere, the question of why it took so long is dispelled, as is how this adaptation will capture the imagination of audiences around the world, connecting with the spirit of the game that inspired it.