Borderlands Movie Characters Blow Heads Off Before PG-13 Changes
The new Borderlands movie has not been well-received by fans and critics, with many expressing disappointment over the lack of gore and violence that was a trademark of the M-rated video games. Despite this, it has been revealed that the live-action adaptation actually filmed many gory scenes that ultimately did not make it into the final cut.
The movie, which is currently in theaters, has garnered negative reviews, starting with an abysmal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes that has since increased to 6%. Critics have criticized various aspects of the film, such as its lack of humor, unexciting action sequences, unappealing sets, and questionable casting choices. Many have also questioned why the film ended up with a PG-13 rating, especially since the director, Eli Roth, is known for his work in the horror genre and could have potentially delivered a bloodier adaptation of Borderlands.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant, the film’s stunt coordinator, Jimmy O’Dee, revealed that they initially intended to shoot the movie with an R-rating in mind, aiming for a more mature audience. O’Dee confirmed that they filmed scenes involving decapitations and dismemberment, following a brief that called for carnage and extreme violence. However, somewhere along the way, the decision was made to tone down the content to secure a PG-13 rating.
Despite the shift in rating, O’Dee clarified that Eli Roth was fully on board with pushing the boundaries of gore during production. Roth even suggested adding more gruesome elements to certain scenes, showing his commitment to delivering a faithful adaptation of the source material. It seems that the final decision to go with a PG-13 rating was made by the studio to appeal to a wider audience, particularly younger viewers familiar with the video game franchise.
Given the substantial amount of footage that was filmed but ultimately not included in the theatrical release, there is a possibility that an unrated version of the movie could be released in the future. This could potentially satisfy fans who were expecting a more violent and faithful adaptation of Borderlands, as well as capitalize on Eli Roth’s reputation for delivering intense horror experiences on screen. Only time will tell if the studio decides to revisit the film and release a version that stays true to the gritty and violent world of Borderlands.