Video game adaptation that bombed super hard in theatres chases second chance on streaming

The Borderlands movie didn’t quite manage to capture audiences’ hearts despite boasting quite a stellar cast led by Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, and now it’s making a beeline to streaming to try and make back any money.

Brace yourselves—this cinematic adventure is set to hit the digital scene by late August. Its swift pivot to online platforms follows a lackluster box office debut, leaving much to be desired among fans and critics alike. Within a mere month of hitting theaters, where it opened with a stark zero percent on Rotten Tomatoes—only nudging up to 10 percent since—Borderlands is racing to redeem itself, and quickly.

The video game movie’s initial global opening scraped together just $17 million against its substantial budget of over $100 million, but faced a dramatic 72 percent plunge in its second week. You can snag it early, as it’s already up for pre-order on Amazon Prime for $25, and is scheduled for a streaming release on Aug. 30.

This rapid transition to streaming is a scramble to salvage some semblance of success from the film’s rocky launch. While the movie stumbles, the Borderlands video game legacy continues to thrive. Known for its rich RPG shooter gameplay and vividly chaotic world, the series still resonates deeply with its fanbase. With games like Borderlands 2 and the more recent Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, the franchise keeps the loot-shooting fun alive and kicking.

As the film adaptation seeks redemption on small screens, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford is already stirring up buzz for Borderlands 4. He’s dropping hints left and right, suggesting a big reveal could be just around the corner—maybe even at the upcoming Gamescom Opening Night Live which is coming early this week.

For Borderlands franchise enthusiasts, this digital release offers a fresh opportunity to give the film a second look from the comfort of their couches. Perhaps streaming will breathe new life into this bombed adaptation. Time will tell, but it’s clear the Borderlands saga isn’t quite ready to fade into the background just yet.