Why Cate Blanchett Joined the Borderlands Movie Explained

The Borderlands movie, featuring an all-star cast including Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Cate Blanchett, has been highly anticipated. Cate Blanchett's involvement as the lead has raised many eyebrows, given her diverse filmography which includes roles in The Lord of the Rings and Marvel films. During an interview with Empire, Blanchett explained her decision to join the project. She tends to gravitate towards unique and challenging roles. The actress also mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic played a role in her decision-making, hinting at some "Covid madness" that may have influenced her choice. Blanchett further prepared for the role by immersing herself in the Borderlands universe, buying a PS5 to understand the game and its fanbase. The movie, directed by Eli Roth and featuring significant reshoots by Tim Miller, is set to release on August 9, 2024.

Cate Blanchett was attracted to the unique and unconventional nature of the role. The Covid-19 lockdown also influenced her decision to take on the project, as she was looking for something different and challenging to do during that period.

Borderlands is a celebrated video game franchise developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. Known for its unique blend of first-person shooter and role-playing elements, the series is set on the fictional planet of Pandora. It features a distinctive cel-shaded artistic style and dark humor. The game has a strong fan base and has been successful in various releases, making its transition to film a significant and eagerly awaited event.