Anticipation Builds: Borderlands Film Set for Home Release
Let's Get Digital: Borderlands' Abrupt Arrival on Streaming Platforms
So, the movie adaptation of Borderlands is making a beeline for your living room, just a mere three weeks after its theatrical debut. Directed by stalwart Eli Roth, this blockbuster boasts a star-studded cast, including screening heavyweights like Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Mark your calendars for this Friday, August 30, as you'll be able to rent or buy it digitally for a modest cost of $20 or $25, respectively, via popular platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Now, you might ask, why the rush? Well, strap in, 'cause we're diving deep into this saga. Back in 2015, Lionsgate partnered with Gearbox to adapt the popular gaming series, but it wasn't until early 2020 that director Eli Roth hopped on board, setting things in motion. Of course, the phrase "early 2020" meant the film faced an instant delay due to Covid. Oscar-winning actress, Cate Blanchett, signed up early on, but it took over a year to assemble the rest of the cast in mid-2021.
Once filming got underway, things went ice-cold. That chill lifted in 2023 when whispers circulated that Deadpool director, Tim Miller, reportedly took on reshoots. The buzz and anticipation for the film quickly started to fizzle out. Rumors of delays, reshoots, and significant changes throughout post-production continued to dampen expectations for over a year, all leading up to its August 9 release.
Despite its stellar cast and the series' recognition, the film flopped miserably. It debuted as the fourth-place contender, grossing only an abysmal $8.6 million over its first three days. Since then, it's managed to scrape past $15 million domestically and has barely reached $25 million globally, all for an estimated production budget that blown through $100 million, if not more. Ouch.
Admittedly, I thought the trailers had a decent Guardians of the Galaxy vibe. Even with a hefty price tag, I'm considering giving it a shot at home for just 20 bucks. It seems others might feel the same way, given the film's rapid appearance on digital platforms.
Here's the scoop on what's coming up in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek realms, what to expect from the DC Universe on the big and small screens, and all you need to know about Doctor Who's future. Get ready to stream Borderlands and judge for yourself!
Behind the Scenes:
- Financial Motives: The film's humongous production budget of approximately $115 million, coupled with stark marketing costs that probably stretched the total cost to around $170 million, called for a swift transition to digital platforms to recoup some of the losses. Streaming releases can help boost viewership beyond the limited theater audience.
- Timing and Strategy: Streaming the film close on the heels of its theatrical run capitalizes on residual interest sparked by its buzz (albeit negative) to attract a broader audience on digital platforms. This smart move can help recover some capital and shore up the financial situation of the production company.
- Theatrical Performance: With its dismal opening and a steep drop in subsequent weekends (reaching a mere $32.9 million globally), the chances for continued theatrical success were slim. A fast-track to streaming reduces ongoing theatrical distribution costs and takes advantage of potential curiosity among viewers left disappointed at the box office.
- Franchise Preservation: Contrary to expectation, the film's poor reception didn't entirely harm the Borderlands franchise. The CEO of Take-Two, Strauss Zelnick, pointed out that the film stoked interest in the upcoming sequel. Therefore, a rapid release to digital platforms could be part of a broader strategy to maintain franchise interest.
- The movie adaptation of Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth, will be available for digital rental or purchase soon, costing only $20 or $25 respectively, on platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google.
- Before director Eli Roth signed on, Lionsgate had partnered with Gearbox in 2015 to adapt the popular gaming series, but due to Covid, filming didn't start until mid-2021.
- Despite its hefty production budget of around $115 million, Borderlands is rapidly appearing on digital platforms, possibly due to financial motives aiming to recoup some losses and boost viewership.
- Streaming the film swiftly after its theatrical run seems to be a strategic move to capitalize on residual interest, reduce ongoing theatrical distribution costs, and preserve interest in the Borderlands franchise for the upcoming sequel.
