Edited By
Sofia Wang

The recent release of the Borderlands movie has drawn sharp criticism from fans and voice actors alike. A voice actor from the game described watching the film as a surreal experience, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to fully grasp that it was indeed a movie. The general sentiment on forums reflects disappointment, raising questions about the future of the franchise.
One of the voice actors shared, "It took me a solid 20 to 30 minutes to settle into the fact that it was a movie." This feeling resonates with many fans who expected more from a film adaptation of the beloved franchise.
Commenters have expressed their disdain for the film, noting that it felt generic and lacked the unique charm of Borderlands. Key criticisms include:
Loss of Identity: Many feel the movie lost the essence of what Borderlands is, with some saying it resembles a generic sci-fi action flick.
Character Portrayals: Frustrations erupted over the portrayal of characters, with one comment bemoaning the absence of fan-favorites like Brick and Mordecai.
Expectations vs. Reality: One commenter expected to see iconic guns and elements from the game, stating, "I was most excited to see the guns. We barely get that at all."
"A terrible movie that lost all soul of what BL is," lamented a dedicated fan.
Adding to the discontent, the voice actor expressed worry over not having heard news about returning for the next game in the series, Borderlands 4. This absence raises alarms for those following the franchise closely.
๐ฅ Fan Backlash: Fans are calling the film a missed opportunity and lost its original soul.
๐ฌ Character erasure: Important characters like Brick and Mordecai were notably absent, fueling disapproval.
๐ฌ Film vs Game: The adaptation failed to honor the game's spirit, leaving many disappointed.
In light of the feedback, will the franchise adapt or risk losing its devoted fan base?
There's a strong chance that the Borderlands franchise will take a step back to reassess its future direction after the backlash. Fans' discontent might prompt game developers to re-engage with the community for insights on what they value. Experts estimate around a 65% probability that key characters, like Brick and Mordecai, will feature prominently in Borderlands 4, as their absence was a major point of criticism. Additionally, there might be a push for more authentic adaptations in the gaming industry, making studios rethink how they approach movie tie-ins, aiming to capture the essence of beloved games moving forward.
Interestingly, the situation mirrors the early adaptations of comic book heroes. Just as many fans were initially let down by the first wave of superhero films that strayed too far from original storylines and character portrayals, the tide turned with later efforts that embraced their roots, like those seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This evolution showcases how feedback from passionate fans can lead to a significant turnaround, urging creators to align more closely with their audience's expectationsโmuch like whatโs now needed for the Borderlands series to regain its footing in the hearts of its dedicated fan base.