The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the hugely popular Borderlands video game series is already set to have problems with its villain. Initially released in 2009, Borderlands began its successful rise to video game stardom as it quickly built an immediate and dedicated fan base. Directed by Eli Roth, the Borderlands movie adaptation follows the story of Lilith (Cate Blanchett) who returns to her home planet of Pandora to rescue the missing daughter of the universe's most powerful man, Atlas (Edgar Ramirez).
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Following the acclaimed success of the first video game, in 2012, Borderlands 2 was released, and with it came the introduction of the series' most prolific villain, Handsome Jack. Handsome Jack was as charismatic as he was sadistic, and if one were to ask any player of the series which villain was the ultimate adversary, it would unanimously be Handsome Jack. However, it's unclear if he'll play a role in the Borderlands movie adaptation and its all-star cast of Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Haley Bennet, and Bobby Lee (the list continues for some time). One of the few things left to be revealed before the film's first trailer is the antagonist.
If Borderlands wants to build a movie franchise, revealing Handsome Jack to be its first villain would be a mistake. Doing so would undercut the anticipation of the next antagonist, as there are no better antagonists in the series than Handsome Jack. There have also been rumors teasing Handsome Jack for the film's final moments, which would appease followers of the game but might disappoint others having no screen time for their favorite villain. Other Borderlands fans have theorized that he'll team up with the Vault Hunters, which would be a surprising twist, but has problems of its own. It would all but guarantee the ending to anyone familiar with the games, and any betrayal by Borderlands' Handsome Jack would be entirely expected.
There's A Way For Borderlands To Use Handsome Jack Without Ruining The Future
On the other hand, not using Handsome Jack at all could leave lovers of the games dissatisfied. However, there is the possibility of finding a sweet spot in between. There is another way of seeding Handsome Jack, ensuring the longevity of the series while also making a new story that would draw in an even larger following. The Borderlands movie can include Handsome Jack in the story, while not making him a core element of it. A mention of Handsome Jack or a cameo would act as a nod to veterans of the games, without ruining the future of the movies. Weaving Handsome Jack into the story without building it around him gives the character more time to grow and develop into an enemy worthy of the Vault Hunters. After all, the League of Legends video game adaptation, Arcane, proves that not every adaptation needs to follow its source exactly to be successful, leaving more room for the possibility of something fulfilling and surprising with Handsome Jack in Borderlands.
Without a doubt, Handsome Jack will be included in the movie franchise, whether it be in the live-action remake of Borderlands, which started filming on April 1st, 2022, or in any planned sequels. In the video games, Handsome Jack isn't shown until Borderlands 2, but he reveals that he's had a hand in all the events of the first game. Meeting his very timely death in the climax of Borderlands 2, Handsome Jack has cemented himself as the longest-lasting, and most threatening villain in the series. Now it's up to the movies to utilize him in the right way.