Cate Blanchett delved into gaming to prepare for her role as Lilith in the Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth and set for release on August 9. Known for her acclaimed performance in 2022’s “Tár,” Blanchett adopted an unconventional approach, picking up a PlayStation 5 during the Covid-19 lockdown to immerse herself in the gaming world. She shared with Empire magazine, “I think there also may have been a little Covid madness — I was spending a lot of time in the garden, using the chainsaw a little too freely. My husband said, ‘This film could save your life.’”
In preparation for her role as Lilith, a tough space outlaw leading a misfit crew on Pandora, Cate Blanchett practiced using a video game controller, despite admitting, “My thumbs can barely control a phone.” She immersed herself in the world of Borderlands, exploring fan favorites and the character’s appeal through a PlayStation 5, cosplayers, and YouTube tutorials on makeup.
Directed by Eli Roth, the Borderlands movie features a star-studded cast, including Kevin Hart as Roland, Jack Black voicing Claptrap, and others such as Edgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis in key roles.
Development of the film began in 2015, with Roth taking the helm in 2020. After production concluded in 2021, Tim Miller directed additional reshoots in 2023 due to Roth’s prior commitments.
Eli Roth addressed comparisons between Borderlands and the Guardians of the Galaxy series, acknowledging similarities due to the subject matter but asserting that Borderlands will stand out uniquely once viewers see the full film.
The official synopsis of Borderlands introduces Lilith as an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, returning reluctantly to her chaotic home planet, Pandora. Her mission: to find the missing daughter of Atlas, the universe’s most powerful man.
Teaming up with misfits like Roland, Tiny Tina, Krieg, Tannis, and Claptrap, Lilith must battle alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets.
Borderlands is scheduled for release on August 9, promising both fans of the game and newcomers a chance to see Blanchett’s dedication to her character come to life on the big screen.
