Stepping into the chaotic, cel-shaded world of Pandora on the big screen is an experience, and for many, it's a fascinating, if sometimes jarring, comparison to the games that birthed it. The 2024 Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, certainly leans into the franchise's signature blend of over-the-top action and dark humor, but it also takes some significant liberties with its beloved characters.
Take Lilith, for instance. In the games, she's a foundational Siren, a playable character from the very first Borderlands (2009), and a force to be reckoned with from the get-go. She's young, powerful, and central to the ongoing narrative. The film, however, casts Cate Blanchett, a powerhouse actress, but one who brings a different gravitas and, crucially, a different age to the role. Blanchett is 54, a far cry from the 22-year-old Lilith of the games. And interestingly, in the movie, her Siren powers aren't a given; they're something she discovers or unlocks later, a narrative twist that sets her cinematic journey apart.
Then there's Roland, the stoic Soldier class from the original game. He was often the grounded, dependable one, a character players could rely on. Kevin Hart takes on this role, and while he's undeniably a comedic talent, his portrayal shifts Roland from a commanding presence to more of a wisecracking sidekick, often serving as comic relief. It's a choice that highlights the film's emphasis on laughs, but it does mean sacrificing some of the character's original gravitas. Plus, seeing Hart, who is not particularly tall, stand next to other characters can be a bit of a visual departure from the imposing figure Roland often was in-game.
Dr. Patricia Tannis, the eccentric archeologist and scientist, is another character who sees a significant reimagining. Jamie Lee Curtis, a legend in her own right, steps into Tannis's shoes. While Tannis in the games is a crucial NPC, often teetering on the edge of sanity due to her Pandora research, the film's casting of Curtis, like Blanchett, suggests a focus on star power over strict game accuracy. Tannis in the game is also depicted as younger than Curtis, and the film seems to embrace a more seasoned, perhaps even more unhinged, version of the character.
And who could forget Claptrap? Jack Black voicing the iconic, if often annoying, robot feels like a match made in heaven. Claptrap is arguably the series' mascot, and his presence is essential. While the film's take on him might not deviate wildly in terms of personality – he's still Claptrap, after all – the visual fidelity and Black's vocal performance bring him to life in a new dimension.
What's clear is that the Borderlands movie isn't a direct translation. It's an adaptation that cherry-picks elements from the games, injects a massive dose of star power, and prioritizes a comedic, action-packed narrative. While some fans might miss the exact characterizations or ages from the games, the film offers a fresh, albeit different, take on the beloved Pandora universe, proving that even familiar worlds can be explored with new eyes.
