After a very long gestation period and extensive reshoots, Lionsgate’s “Borderlands,” an adaptation of the space Western science fantasy video game, finally arrives in theaters this summer.
Directed by Eli Roth (“Thanksgiving”), the star-studded cast includes Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Édgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Lee. People revealed a first look today, Blanchett playing the infamous outlaw character Lilith and the rest of the gang playing its motley crew gang of characters.
The biggest problems, however, were many of the behind-the-scenes dramas. “Borderlands” started production way back in April of 2021 during COVID. Perhaps it was getting the band all back together that proved problematic, but reshoots didn’t occur until January 2023 and were scheduled so late that the film’s director, Eli Roth, wasn’t available to direct them, citing his obligations to this “Thanksgiving” film that came out in November of last year. Instead, “Deadpool” director Tim Miller stepped in and had to take over the reshoots.
It’s not unheard of Marvel Studios tinkered with “The Marvels” for so long, director Nia DaCosta wasn’t around for all its post-production, having had to move on to her next film.
Regardless, Here’s the synopsis from Lionsgate
Lilith (Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home, Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy. Her mission is to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Ramírez), the universe’s most powerful S.O.B. Lilith forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits – Roland (Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Tiny Tina (Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Curtis), the oddball scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Black), a wiseass robot. Together, these unlikely heroes must battle an alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. The fate of the universe could be in their hands – but they’ll be fighting for something more: each other. Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to BORDERLANDS.
Jamie Lee Curtis recently revealed a teaser image on Instagram, writing, “Welcome to BORDERLANDS and a secret BTS shot I took of Lilith, our legendary heroine, psycho blasting, vault hunting, vixen with a bad attitude and two Oscars to add to the baddasery in her tool belt, the once and future Queen of EVERYTHING.”
“Borderlands” is set to be released by Lionsgate Films on August 9, 2024. Watch the first trailer below.