Lionsgate has officially announced that they are working together with game developer Gearbox Software and distributor Take-Two Interactive, alongside producers Avi Arad and his son Ari Arad, to produce a movie adaptation of the popular "Borderlands" video games.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger explained that the feature film adaptation will retain the irreverent humor and violent action that the games are popular for.
"We believe that we've brought together the right partners, the ideal creative team and the perfect property to launch a new motion picture tent-pole for a global audience," stated the duo. "The 'Borderlands' games don't pull any punches, and we'll make the movie with the same in-your-face attitude that has made the series a blockbuster mega-franchise."
Avi Arad is also the producer responsible for bringing "Spider-Man" to the big screen since the Sam Raimi-era, and was also the producer who initiated the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he worked on the first "Iron Man" film. According to a report from /Film, Arad is also currently developing movie adaptations of "Metal Gear Solid" and "Mass Effect."
The report also cites that since the producers are attempting to retain the mature and humorous nature of the game, there is a possibility that the movie will gear toward an R-rating. However, as there is no official confirmation of a scriptwriter or director attached to the project, this remains as pure speculation.
The "Borderlands" games utilize cel-shaded graphics and blend first-person shooting mechanics with role-playing mechanics, a system vaguely similar to that seen in the "Bioshock" franchise. The games take place in a planet named Pandora, located in the outer rim of the galaxy, where colonists fight horrifying monsters as well as each other.
To date, there are three official "Borderlands" game titles as well as an iOS spin-off and an episodic adventure title developed by TellTale Games. An upcoming multiplayer online title is also being developed exclusively for the Chinese market.
