Take-Two CEO Asserts Borderlands Movie has Positively Impacted the Franchise

The Mixed Reception of the Borderlands Movie: Insights from Take-Two’s CEO

Despite the dismal performance of the Borderlands film at the box office and with critics, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, remains surprisingly optimistic, asserting that the movie may have positively impacted the franchise.

A Box Office Disappointment

The Borderlands movie has been deemed one of the least successful adaptations of a video game to film, with many considering it the “worst movie of 2024.” It managed to rake in merely $31 million globally, which pales in comparison to its production and marketing costs that topped $100 million. This staggering loss has unfortunately placed the film among recent cinematic flops.

The Power of Star Power

Even featuring an A-list ensemble that included actors like Jack Black and Kevin Hart could not compensate for the film’s shortcomings. Fans expressed their discontent over how disconnected the movie was from the beloved game series, leading to a lackluster reception.

Take-Two’s Perspective

Prior to Take-Two’s earnings call scheduled for November 6, Zelnick addressed the film’s performance in an interview with IGN. While he acknowledged the film’s overall disappointment, he highlighted an interesting outcome: increased sales of the Borderlands game catalog. “It actually sold more catalog,” Zelnick noted. He remains confident that the film did not harm the franchise but may have, in fact, generated some benefits.

Legacy of Game Adaptations

Historically, film adaptations of video games aim to boost interest in the original series, a tactic seen in numerous successful productions, such as Sony’s Emmy-winning The Last of Us series and Nintendo’s hit Super Mario Bros. Movie. Despite the criticisms faced by the Borderlands film, it appears to have achieved some of its marketing goals by enticing new players to explore the games.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Borderlands

This discourse unfolds as anticipation builds for Borderlands 4, the first main installment in the franchise since 2019. Fans can expect the release of this new sequel sometime between late 2025 and early 2026.

In summary, while the Borderlands film may not have performed well critically or commercially, Take-Two’s perspective illustrates that even a perceived failure can provide avenues for future growth and increased interest in the gaming franchise.

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