Borderlands Star Florian Munteanu Talks Eli Roth’s Unique Directing Style

As an ardent fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the Borderlands movie adaptation with bated breath and clenched fists! The thought of seeing this vibrant game universe unfold on the big screen was already exhilarating, but to have it helmed by the mastermind behind Hostel and Thanksgiving, Eli Roth, has sent my anticipation levels skyrocketing!


The long-awaited movie adaptation of the game Borderlands has premiered in cinemas today, receiving a disappointingly low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Eli Roth, known for movies like Thanksgiving and Hostel, this film promises to deliver dark humor and high-octane action on the big screen. In an exclusive interview with ComicBook, Florian Munteanu, who portrays Krieg in the movie, discussed his experience working with Roth. Additionally, Munteanu, who was also seen in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, shared insights about the rigorous physical demands of the role and the close bond he formed with his co-stars.

The interviewer wondered if Munteanu’s background in the horror genre (as Roth is primarily known for) had any influence on directing this particular film. Munteanu confirmed that it certainly did.

According to Munteanu, Roth’s energy and style were ideal for a project like Borderlands. He commented that Roth had a unique, perfectly fitting tone for this film when discussing its eccentricity. Laughing, Munteanu suggested that Roth’s peculiar nature made him the ideal choice to direct this adaptation. Furthermore, he emphasized that anyone who has played the game would acknowledge that the games’ atmosphere is unparalleled, which is why having Roth at the helm was crucial.

The actor stressed the need to remain faithful to Roth’s unique style, focusing particularly on the dark humor and violent depictions present in the film. As Munteanu points out, this blend of brutality and somber tones—hallmarks of the Borderlands series—was perfectly matched by Roth’s directorial skills. In essence, it was observed that Roth’s background in horror and his history of gory scenes made him an ideal choice for the role.

Florian Munteanu recently spoke with Screen Rant about the challenging preparation he went through to play his role in Borderlands. He detailed how he had to be in top physical shape for the part, dealing with issues such as heavy boots and a mask in his costume that affected his breathing. With rigorous training and effort, Munteanu was able to convincingly portray the character’s physicality.

I underwent an arduous process to embody Krieg’s likeness, as it demanded rigorous training and minimal sustenance. As Munteanu elucidated, “It was a test of endurance, with hardly any food involved. That was when the hardship came, pushing me to achieve that impressive physique, to match Krieg’s extraordinary form.” The transformation was indeed grueling, yet it represented just one facet of the task at hand.

Additionally, he encountered an extra difficulty: the costume, specifically the boots and mask, posed complications. Munteanu expressed that it was his inaugural experience donning such weighty boots, which caused him mobility issues during combat and movement, while his mask restricted his visual range.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of starting the preparation process well in advance. This is crucial since during the early stages, stunt choreography practice was performed without the mask. Once they understood that the mask needed to be included, they were prepared for it when filming began. In fact, Munteanu had already adapted to the limitations imposed by the costume at this point.

Through my personal journey, I’ve come to realize that challenges are not just obstacles to be overcome, but rather opportunities for growth. Each time I face a difficulty, I find myself stretching beyond my limits, expanding my capabilities, and learning valuable lessons. Embracing these challenges has become an integral part of my life and the key to my personal development. So, if you’re ever faced with a challenge, remember that it’s not just something to conquer; it’s your chance to grow, to learn, and ultimately, to become a better version of yourself.

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2024-08-09 20:40