'Borderlands 4': Sequel Hinted After Film Flop

Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 After Borderlands Movie Flops

Following the box office failure of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again teased the development of Borderlands 4. Read on to discover more about the game's progress and the CEO's recent comments.

Gearbox CEO Subtly Confirms Borderlands 4 Development

Progress on the Next Borderlands Game

On Sunday, Pitchford offered another subtle confirmation of work on a new Borderlands title, thanking fans for their continued enthusiasm for the games, which he contrasted with the movie's poor reception. He highlighted the team's dedication to the next installment, leaving fans wanting more information.

This follows a previous GamesRadar+ interview last month, where Pitchford alluded to several large-scale projects underway at Gearbox. While avoiding a formal announcement, he suggested that news on the next Borderlands game is imminent.

Earlier this year, publisher 2K officially confirmed Borderlands 4's development, coinciding with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands franchise, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 setting a record as 2K's fastest-selling title (19 million copies). Borderlands 2 remains the company's top seller, exceeding 28 million copies since its 2012 release.

Movie's Poor Performance Spurs CEO's Comments

Pitchford's social media comments came swiftly after the Borderlands movie faced severe criticism and underperformed at the box office. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including IMAX screenings, the film's opening weekend grossed a mere $4 million. Projections indicate a total opening run significantly below $10 million, a stark contrast to its $115 million production budget.

The long-awaited film, in production for over three years, received overwhelmingly negative reviews, solidifying its position as one of the summer's biggest critical disappointments. Even dedicated fans expressed disappointment, leading to a low CinemaScore. Critics cited a disconnect with the fanbase, lacking the charm and humor that defined the games. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews highlighted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to a younger audience, resulting in a subpar product.

As Gearbox prepares for its next game, the movie's failure underscores the challenges of adapting beloved video games to the big screen. However, the studio remains committed to delivering another successful title for its gaming audience.