For generations in Hollywood, where films span from dramatic roles to whimsical comedies, actors have often sought fresh and unconventional challenges leading to both critical acclaim and curious experiments. One such leap into the unknown came from Cate Blanchett when she took on the role of Lilith in Eli Roth’s recently released video game adaptation Borderlands.
Celebrated for her diverse and daring roles, when Cate Blanchett appeared in Borderlands, although the movie failed to garner positive reviews, her venture into the realm of video game adaptations, helped her push boundaries. Her bold step into uncharted territory unlocked one achievement that catapulted her popularity among young audiences, unlike Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon.
Cate Blanchett Explored New Artistic Territories with Borderlands
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, popularly known for her fearless approach to acting, recently appeared in Eli Roth’s video game adaptation Borderlands. Playing the role of Lilith, a hard-boiled bounty hunter, Blanchett aimed to push boundaries and follow the growing trend of high-profile actors entering the gaming universe.
Previously the actress had appeared in out-of-the-box projects like The Lord of the Rings and Thor: Ragnarok. Therefore, while Cate Blanchett’s appearance in Borderlands wasn’t much of a surprise, it was indeed her first leap of faith in the realm of video game adaptations. Speaking with USA Today, the Oscar winner thus noted the reason behind accepting the role of Lilith in the movie.
I thought, ‘This could be really interesting’. In the game, there was always a nod and a wink; a deliberate B-grade mash-up of chunky sci-fi and spaghetti Western… I like those crazy, random, out-of-the-box asks. They’re always the ones I find the most exciting and terrifying. It wasn’t like I said to myself, ‘Hey, let’s go find a character from a video game.’
Unfortunately, Cate Blanchett’s video game adaptation witnessed a calamitous reception, as critics began bashing the film for its miscast actors and impenetrable script. Garnering a 6% RT rating, Borderlands got slammed by fans for its lifeless, unfunny re-imagination of the popular game.
But despite her role in the disastrous film, Blanchett’s fearless career choice of venturing into uncharted territory helped her join a small but notable group of young as well as veteran actresses who have leaped from commercial movies to the gaming universe.
Cate Blanchett’s Fearless Approach Helped Her Set a Trend
While previously, Cate Blanchett was famous among cinephiles and had an intellectual audience base, the actress’ exploration of a new dimension of her craft catapulted her popularity among young audiences. Therefore, unlocking the cool achievement of portraying a video game character, unlike her fellow Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, Blanchett added another bold chapter to her illustrious career.
Following her appearance in Borderlands, Cate Blanchett now rubs shoulders with the likes of Ella Purnell (Fallout) and Milla Jovovich (Monster Hunter) who helmed popular video game adaptations. Well, not just the two of them, Blanchett actually appears on the list of Oscar-winning stars to join the gaming universe, alongside Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider), Angelina Jolie (Lara Croft), and Marion Cotillard (Assassin’s Creed).
So it seems that although Cate Blanchett’s daring move to appear in Borderlands faced critical disappointment from fans, her commitment to exploring new creative avenues highlighted her willingness to embrace roles that defy conventional expectations. It not only allowed her to gain attention from young audiences and gamers but also turned Blanchett into a torchbearer for future high-profile actors in video game adaptations.
Borderlands is currently running at your nearest theaters.
