An image from the Borderlands movie currently in production is making the rounds online. Gearbox head Randy Pitchford joined the discussion on Twitter and mentioned the term “Borderlands Cinematic Universe” – which sounds strongly like the Marvel model.
This image was shared: The actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays the role of scientist Tannis in the Borderlands movie, shared an image of her colleague Cate Blanchett on social media. She will be seen in the film as Siren Lilith.
The image features a silhouette of the character. It is reminiscent of Lilith both in posture and hairstyle, much like she is known in the games.
As a consequence of the image, Gearbox and Borderlands head Randy Pitchford also shared some thoughts on the film, praising Jamie Lee Curtis for her portrayal already at this stage. Then the question arose as to how the film would fit into the story of the games. Would it be the same world, a different universe, or a retelling?
Parallel and related, but independent of the games
So Pitchford responded: He commented on the question by referring to the Marvel model, which has dominated blockbuster cinema in recent years.
Some of us working on it are starting to refer to the film story area as “within the Borderlands Cinematic Universe” (or BCU). It is parallel and related to the video games, featuring authentic characters and themes, but with an independent canon from the video games.
Randy Pitchford via Twitter
In the past, Pitchford had explained that this “BCU” follows a similar approach to story as Marvel. There are parallels to the existing material but also differences, just as Marvel handled their films in comparison to existing comics (via Twitter). In the new discussion, he confirmed this again upon request of another comment, speaking of a “very similar strategy” (via Twitter).
This is what fans are saying: There are rather mixed reactions to the MCU comparison. While some fans criticize that the film might end up having nothing to do with Borderlands and just feature the characters (via Twitter), others are more open to the alternative story (via Twitter). The Marvel Cinematic Universe has thus far produced 23 films and additional series, including some of the highest-grossing blockbusters of all time.
The Borderlands movie has so far primarily attracted attention and occasionally irritation due to the cast actors. For instance, Kevin Hart is taking on the role of Roland, while Jack Black will play the role of Claptrap. Both decisions received mixed reactions from fans upon their announcement.
The extent to which the film will ultimately convince Borderlands players remains to be seen – there is, for example, still no trailer. Meanwhile, the image of the Lilith silhouette received a lot of positive feedback and could spark some anticipation.
A rather unfortunate example in terms of anticipation was the trailer for the Monster Hunter film, which confused many fans of the game in 2020.
