Borderlands film: budget, box office and player impact

In short

• The Borderlands film had a budget of $120 million, but brought in only $33 million.
• Director Eli Roth said the choice to go with a PG-13 rating was a fatal decision.
• The film was released in 2024 and featured a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart.

GAME-scanner analysis

The Borderlands film, released in 2024, has emerged as one of the biggest financial disappointments in recent film history. With a budget of $120 million and a worldwide gross of just $33 million, it’s clear the movie failed to meet expectations. Director Eli Roth has spoken candidly about the creative limitations he faced, especially due to the decision to give the film a PG-13 rating. That stands in sharp contrast to the mature themes and M (Mature 17+) rating of the original video games. The mismatch between the film and fan expectations may have been a major factor in its disappointing box office performance.

What does this mean for players?

For fans of the Borderlands franchise, this film was a missed opportunity. The combination of a high budget and a star cast had the potential to deliver an exciting and authentic adaptation of the beloved games. However, the choice to make the film more accessible to a wider audience may have dulled the core of what makes Borderlands so appealing. This raises questions about future video game movie adaptations and how faithfully they can stay true to their source material.

Related GAME-scanner articles

• The Borderlands film: a mega-flop at the box office