Earlier this week during Gamescom Opening Night Live, Gearbox Software officially unveiled Borderlands 4 with a short cinematic trailer, promising a new adventure on another planet. Not much is known about the fourth anticipated entry in the franchise yet, though fans who have combed through the trailer might’ve spotted clues teasing the return of Handsome Jack. As it turns out, there is a villain who is ‘far more dangerous and sinister’ than Handsome Jack in the game.
Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded to a fan on X who theorised that Handsome Jack could make a return in Borderlands 4 due to some imagery seen in the reveal trailer. Pitchford stated, “That’s not Handsome Jack. That is something far more dangerous and sinister.” Handsome Jack made his debut in Borderlands 2 and instantly became one of the most memorable and iconic villains in gaming thanks to his charisma, presence and design.
Gearbox Software has since put the villains of the Borderlands games at the forefront of the experiences, with Borderlands 3 highlighting the Calypso twins. It seems like Borderlands 4 will have its own unique villain and if Pitchford is to be believed, they will be a much more dangerous villain than Handsome Jack.
That’s not handsome jack. That is something far more dangerous and sinister
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) August 21, 2024
The announcement of Borderlands 4 arrives a couple of weeks after the debut of the live-action Borderlands movie in cinemas. Unfortunately, it has since been slammed by critics and fans with many calling it uninspired and boring – plenty of criticism was thrown at Jack Black’s “annoying and grating” portrayal of Claptrap. On the bright side, the Borderlands movie caused players to return to the games. If you’re itching to watch the Borderlands movie, the good news is that it will already be available to stream on 30 August.
Borderlands 4 launches in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Source: Randy Pitchford
