‘Borderlands’ Director Finally Speaks Out on Film Flop at Box Office

Eli Roth has openly discussed the difficulties that led to his ‘Borderlands’ movie adaptation's lacklustre reception.

 The 52-year-old director discussed the difficulties that beset the production with host Matthew Belloni in an episode of ‘The Town’ podcast.  Speaking about his new independent production firm, The Horror Section, Roth acknowledged that a number of challenges led to the film's underwhelming box office performance.

The film was based on a well-known video game franchise, had difficulties because of the pandemic's aftereffects.  According to Roth, a health issue made it practically impossible to work together efficiently throughout the planning stages.  Due to the remote nature of pre-production, crucial components like visual planning and stunt coordination were seriously jeopardised.  The film's execution was eventually harmed by the inability to physically prepare for such a large-scale production.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 He disclosed that because he was also directing his 2023 slasher movie, ‘Thanksgiving’, he missed multiple reshoots.  Although he was given credit as both writer and director of the film, Roth acknowledged that, for the first time in his career, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect when he sat down to see ‘Borderlands’.

In retrospect, Roth admitted that once a studio invests in a project, there are instances in which directors have to accept the company's choice, even if it deviates from their original plan.  According to him, even if the finished product doesn't align with your initial goals, you still need to show up, smile, and accept the criticism during those times.

 Roth is still committed to his indie horror roots even though he is temporarily walking away from major studio productions.  He is working on a ‘Thanksgiving’ sequel, which was revealed in late 2023 but has not yet started production.

–Farheen Ali