Who’s ready to dive into the chaotic world of Borderlands? In an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film, cast members Kevin Hart, Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Jack Black, and more reveal the magic behind the film adaptation of one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Borderlands follows bounty hunter Lilith, played by Blanchett, who reluctantly returns to her tumultuous home planet, Pandora, on a crucial mission to find the missing daughter of the powerful and dangerous Atlas, portrayed by Edgar RamÃrez. Along the way, she forms an unlikely team that includes mercenary Roland (Kevin Hart), eccentric scientist Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), wisecracking robot Claptrap (Jack Black), feral young demolitionist Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), and her protector, Krieg (Florian Munteanu).
In a new featurette, Blanchett explains that the ragtag team evolves into a “strange, dysfunctional family” as they embark on their mission across Pandora. This dynamic is humorously illustrated in a clip where Roland uses a stern, fatherly tone with Tiny Tina, who responds with her usual rebellious flair.
Kevin Hart shares that stepping into the world of Borderlands required a deep dive into the game’s extensive lore. This sentiment is echoed by the film’s director, Eli Roth, who had the privilege of working closely with the game’s creators to ensure authenticity. “Directing Borderlands, I had the creators to guide me through the game and its rich history,” Roth says.
The teaser trailer packs a punch, showcasing car chases, teleportation, hand-to-hand combat, a spaceship crash, and more in just 90 seconds. One standout moment features the gang driving through the throat of a massive monster, highlighting the film’s blend of action and dark humor.
For the actors, joining the Borderlands project was an easy decision, given the game’s massive fanbase. The video game franchise has sold over 100 million copies and spawned multiple sequels. Jack Black, who voices Claptrap, expresses his excitement, saying, “I am so psyched to be portraying Claptrap, the legendary robot,” as a clip shows his character taking down two soldiers with his signature wit.
Jamie Lee Curtis, fresh off her 2023 Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once, finds Borderlands to be the perfect project. “It has pathos, it has humor, it has a lot of action,” she shares, emphasizing the film’s multifaceted appeal.
Director Eli Roth hopes the film will provide audiences with an unforgettable experience. “I want people to go, ‘That is the best time I’ve had in a movie theater in years,'” he explains.
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Gina Gershon, Cheyenne Jackson, Haley Bennett, Janina Gavankar, Bobby Lee, Olivier Richters, Charles Babalola, Benjamin Byron Davis, Steven Boyer, Ryann Redmond, and Penn Jillette, who has a cameo role as a preacher.
Borderlands is set to hit theaters on August 9, promising a wild ride for both fans of the game and newcomers alike. The film’s blend of action, humor, and heart, combined with its star-studded cast, makes it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Source: ET, PEOPLE
