Borderlands on the Big Screen: Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford Unveils Cinematic Masterpiece

Movie lovers and gamers alike, fasten your seatbelts! The highly anticipated Borderlands movie’s first trailer, which was just released, is nothing short of an exhilarating journey into unexplored territory. This film adaptation of the popular Gearbox computer game series, which was directed by the creative Eli Roth, is laying the groundwork for a spectacular fusion of digital fantasy and cinematic reality. We were given the unique chance to speak with Randy Pitchford, the executive producer of the film and the founder of Gearbox, for an exciting trailer analysis that aims to revolutionize the concept of video game adaptation.

From the get-go, Pitchford is insistent it’s no ordinary video game adaptation. “One of the cool things about the movie is we’ve created a cinematic universe that lives side by side with the video game universe,” elaborates Pitchford, readying for a story that both pays homage to its roots but cuts new and independent story lines. This is not a remake of Borderlands 1 or 2; this is the origin story of the Borderlands Cinematic Universe. Visualize entering a world where iconic characters breathe new air, going on to untold adventures that add depth and breadth to lore that we thought we knew. Perhaps the more intriguing reveal is the hitherto Deukalian Atlas, the enigmatic CEO of the Atlas Corporation, making an auspicious entrance into the movie universe of Borderlands. Played by Edgar Ramirez, Atlas is reportedly a mogul whose fortune eclipses the combined fortune of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. Pitchford’s colorful direction to Ramirez? If that’s not a promise of an audacious character portrayal, what is?

As Pitchford relates this surreal experience of watching the virtual world of Borderlands come to life, his voice echoes with infectious elation. Whether standing atop an actual Runner vehicle or entering the set of Fyrestone, producers and viewers alike take in a thrilling digital-to-real journey. This is even more evident when Pitchford speaks of how he wanted to preserve most of the props and costumes himself from the movie, since he could not bear the thought of them being relegated to the dumpster following filming. The instinct to preserve, as testimony to the dedication and passion they both have put toward the series, will serve well to show just how great an impact the project has had on its creators.

The highlight of our discussion had to be Pitchford’s story of flying cosplayers-like Jessica Nigri-in to Budapest for Gina Gershon’s Mad Moxxi costume fitting, and the audience watched in awe as Moxxi was brought to perfect life. It is this innovative quality of the Borderlands film that creates these magic moments speaking to people who have lived in this world of the game. It’s way more than adapting a game.

Pitchford says the film Balance of Borderlands is just such a tapestry of themes: found family, humor, and very real human emotion. It’s a story that explores allegiances, loyalty, and the basic constructs of belonging. Wrapped up in the laughs and humor is a touching story of the family that you make, not just the one you’re born into. Keep the spirit of the original material, mix some comedy with drama, and the result should be a pretty great film.

It is anticipated that the Borderlands film, which premieres in North America on August 9 and overseas this summer, will mark a significant milestone. Pitchford and his crew created the path from game to film with a clear passion for the IP and the goal of creating something amazing. As we get ready for its premiere, one thing is for sure: the Borderlands movie world has arrived and is about to take us on an amazing adventure. Above everything else, prepare to be amazed. Prepare to feel and laugh. We can’t wait to see how Gearbox’s virtual world evolves on the big screen in its new location.