The recent Borderlands movie has been a critical and commercial disappointment, with both fans and critics expressing their discontent over the live-action adaptation. As the dust settles, many are left pondering where it all went wrong, leading to speculation that the film’s issues may stem from its format. Some fans believe that Borderlands could have fared better as an animated film rather than a live-action production.

Pitchford’s Thoughts on Animation Versus Anime

Randy Pitchford, the co-founder of Gearbox, has weighed in on the debate, agreeing that an animated Borderlands film or TV series could be a viable alternative. However, he is quick to draw a line, making it clear that while he is open to animation, he is strongly against the idea of an anime adaptation.

Pitchford’s aversion to a Borderlands anime isn’t new. Before the movie even hit theaters, a fan suggested the possibility of an anime adaptation, to which Pitchford bluntly responded, “Borderlands anime? Are you on drugs? That sounds like a terrible idea.” His stance reflects a belief that anime, as a genre, would not be a good fit for the chaotic and irreverent world of Borderlands.

Animation, Not Anime: A Distinction for the Franchise

Since the release of the Borderlands movie, which has faced significant backlash, the conversation around a potential animated version has resurfaced. Pitchford, while defending the live-action film, reiterated his openness to animation but maintained his firm opposition to anime. “I think an animated Borderlands would be cool, but I don’t parse that the same as anime,” Pitchford stated. “I think anime is a very specific genre, and I don’t think Borderlands is well suited for it.”

The Future of Borderlands

Despite the movie’s failure, which grossed just $8.8 million in its opening weekend in the U.S.—a mere eight percent of its $115 million budget—there’s still a glimmer of hope for the franchise. Although an animated adaptation isn’t on the horizon, fans can look forward to more Borderlands content. Pitchford has hinted that news about the next game in the series will be coming “sooner rather than later,” offering some optimism to the dedicated Borderlands community.

Final Thoughts

While the live-action Borderlands film may not have met expectations, Randy Pitchford’s openness to an animated adaptation—albeit not an anime—suggests that there are still creative avenues left to explore for the franchise. As fans await the next game, the possibility of seeing Borderlands in a different format remains an intriguing prospect.

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