Following the disappointing box office performance of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again hinted at the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of ongoing work on the franchise comes after Pitchford expressed gratitude to fans, emphasizing their stronger connection to the games than the recent film adaptation. He further suggested that the next installment is actively under development, igniting anticipation among fans.

This recent tease builds on Pitchford's previous comments in a GamesRadar+ interview, where he alluded to several significant projects in progress at Gearbox. While avoiding a formal announcement, he implied that news regarding the next Borderlands game is imminent. The official confirmation of Borderlands 4 development earlier this year by publisher 2K, concurrent with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment, further solidifies the project's existence. The immensely popular Borderlands franchise, boasting over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 2K's fastest-selling title status (19 million copies), and Borderlands 2 remaining their top seller (over 28 million copies), underscores the significant expectations surrounding the next iteration.

Pitchford's social media comments followed the considerable negative reception of the Borderlands movie. The film's opening weekend box office gross of only $4 million, despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters and IMAX screenings, fell drastically short of expectations. Projected to earn less than $10 million in its initial run, this pales in comparison to its $115 million production budget. The film, plagued by delays and scathing reviews, is now considered a major critical and commercial failure, even disappointing longtime fans of the franchise, as evidenced by its poor CinemaScore rating. Critics have cited a disconnect with the source material, lacking the humor and charm that defined the game series. Loud and Clear Reviews' Edgar Ortega highlighted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to younger audiences as a factor contributing to its overall weakness.

The underwhelming performance of the Borderlands film serves as a cautionary tale for video game adaptations, yet Gearbox remains dedicated to delivering a successful gaming sequel for its loyal fanbase.