Summary

• Handsome Jack's presence in future Borderlands movies is almost guaranteed due to his popularity and importance as a villain.
• The success of the first Borderlands film will determine the future of the cinematic universe, potentially impacting sequels and fan interest.
• While the first movie focuses on other villains, Handsome Jack's potential introduction in future films is vital for maintaining the franchise's humor and allure.

Borderlands movie is missing some big characters, such as Brick and Mordecai, and the franchise's biggest villain is also absent. However, with the plans for further movies, bringing in Borderlands' most popular antagonist seems unavoidable as they will likely be crucial for future projects.

The critical and financial response to Borderlands will have a massive impact on how successful a cinematic universe will be. With the film having a rumored $100 million budget, it can't afford to flop at the box office if it wants to produce more movies. Likewise, failing to live up to its potential will put fans off potential sequels, especially if the movie is unable to match the magic of the video game series. Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting things to expect from the Borderlands movie, especially after a fun trailer, making one villain's future appearance extremely likely.

Borderlands will be released in theaters on August 9, 2024.

Borderlands’ Cinematic Universe All But Guarantees The Introduction Of Handsome Jack

Handsome Jack Will Almost Certainly Be A Part Of Borderlands' Cinematic Universe

With Borderlands set to have multiple movies, Handsome Jack's cinematic debut is all but guaranteed. He is Borderlands' biggest and most memorable villain, making his chances of being involved in future projects higher than any other character in the franchise. The first film will focus on establishing the planet of Pandora in the Borderlands movie, helping audiences understand the location's chaotic nature and bizarre characters. While the first movie will introduce the franchise's lore, the series will wait to involve its main villain, as Handsome Jack doesn't appear to have a role in the first Borderlands film, despite his popularity.

If the trailer is an early indication of the movie's tone, Handsome Jack will fit in seamlessly when it comes to sequels. Despite his sadistic and heartless actions, Handsome Jack is hilarious, meaning his sarcasm and wit will be a great addition to future installments. The movie series won't be following the story of the games, but it would still be a waste not to utilize the franchise's best villain. He is not only great because of his charisma, but he also provides a lot to the story, and Handsome Jack could be a big threat in future movies.

Why Handsome Jack Is So Important To Borderlands’ Cinematic Plan

Handsome Jack Will Likely Be The Main Villain In Borderlands' Cinematic Universe

The Borderlands movie's story is introducing fresh new villains and not following the games' canon, but future films will still need Handsome Jack. One of Borderlands' biggest strengths is its ability to blend action and humor in compelling ways. While the video game series has no shortage of funny moments, it still produces serious and emotional storylines, despite maintaining an overall jovial tone. This is why having a villain like Handsome Jack is crucial for the cinematic universe. He can continue to add laughter and comedy to the movies while offering an intimidating presence that few other antagonists can replicate.

Borderlands' first film will likely have relatively low-stakes enemies, as the cinematic franchise's first entry will look to give the heroes a big win in their first adventure. The Vault Monster will presumably cause more issues than Atlas, who is an original villain made for the film series. This may not be a huge problem for the first movie, but someone like Handsome Jack will be needed down the line. If each movie wants to improve on the last one and become bigger, they will need huge attractions, and a perfectly cast Handsome Jack would be a massive draw.

Will The Borderlands Movie Set Up Handsome Jack’s Appearance?

It Is Possible 2024's Borderlands Sets Up A Handsome Jack Appearance

Handsome Jack is not confirmed to be a part of 2024's Borderlands, but the movie could still set up his future appearance. With the popularity of post-credit scenes, it is possible the Borderlands movie includes one that indicates Handsome Jack's arrival. The role has not been cast yet, but a shot of the character's mask or other characters referencing him could tease his arrival in the sequel. Even if the film doesn't have a post or mid-credit scene, Handsome Jack's introduction could still be set up towards the climax, perhaps after the Vault Monster and Atlas have been defeated.

There is also the possibility of dropping Easter Eggs throughout the film, making Handsome Jack's involvement in the franchise a more subtle tease for eagle-eyed viewers and hardcore fans. This would prevent having to introduce him in the next film, and instead acknowledge his existence while keeping him for a later installment. After Pitchford's comment on a cinematic universe, Handsome Jack's arrival in the Borderlands movies seems inevitable, and while there is no guarantee the first movie will set up his future appearance, it does seem like the perfect time to begin teasing the character.

Source: IGN