Cate Blanchett Cast as Lilith in Eli Roth’s Borderlands Film: A Bold Choice for the Video Game Adaptation

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In May 2020, Lionsgate announced that Cate Blanchett will portray the infamous outlaw Lilith for director Eli Roth’s Borderlands film.

Based on the video game series of the same name by Gearbox Software, filming had already started, and the science fiction action comedy film premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on August 6, 2024.

Cate Blanchett will star as Lilith in the American science fiction action comedy film BorderlandsCate Blanchett will star as Lilith in the American science fiction action comedy film Borderlands (Credit: Gearbox Software)

Eli Roth Praises Blanchett’s Versatility

“I’m so lucky to have the amazing Cate Blanchett starring in Borderlands,” American film director Eli Raphael Roth said in a statement.

“We had the most incredible collaboration together on The House with a Clock in Its Walls, and I believe there’s nothing she can’t do. From drama to comedy and now action, Cate makes every scene sing. Working with her is truly a director’s dream come true, and I feel so fortunate that I get to do it again on an even bigger scale. Everyone brings their A-game to work with Cate, and I know together we’re going to create another iconic character in her already storied career.”

Fan Reactions to Blanchett’s Casting

Many fans were concerned that the actress was too old for the role.

“I mean, I like Cate Blanchett, but doesn’t she seem a bit too old to be playing a young, badass, magic-wielding vault hunter? Unless the story takes place decades after Borderlands. Why not try for Daisy Ridley? Star Wars is over, she’s not doing anything,” a fan tweeted.

“All y’all saying “OLD” but Cate Blanchett is still smokin’ hot. Besides, cake on a ton of makeup like Hollywood knows how to do and she can look way younger,” another fan said.

Blanchett Shines at the 2016 Costume Designers Guild Awards

Cate Blanchett dazzles in a sleek, floor-length black Versace gown paired with a statement Tiffany & Co. diamond collar necklace at the Costume Designers Guild AwardsCate Blanchett dazzles in a sleek, floor-length black Versace gown paired with a statement Tiffany & Co. diamond collar necklace at the Costume Designers Guild Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 23, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

In February 2016, the then 46-year-old actress found time to attend the Costume Designers Guild Awards. For her unparalleled talent and status within the costume design community, she brought home the Lacoste Spotlight Award.

Cate was impossible to ignore at the ceremony in a body-hugging Versace chainmail gown and lavish $1.5 million Tiffany & Co. diamond collar necklace.

Cate Blanchett wears a sleek Versace chainmail gown to the Costume Designers Guild AwardsCate Blanchett wears a sleek Versace chainmail gown to the Costume Designers Guild Awards (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Cate’s floor-length couture Versace gown was fitted around the waist, featuring tiny black sequins that shimmered with Cate’s every movement.

The open-back dress also featured a thigh-high split and a modest neckline. The Bob Dylan actress opted for minimal makeup and styled her wispy blonde locks in a loose updo.

The Australian superstar, who portrayed Hela in Thor: Ragnarok, accessorized with a bib-style diamond-encrusted Tiffany & Co. necklace.

Cate Blanchett shows off a diamond-encrusted bib-style Tiffany & Co. necklaceCate Blanchett shows off a diamond-encrusted bib-style Tiffany & Co. necklace (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Thanks to the thigh-high slit in Cate’s shimmering gown, we caught a glimpse of her elegant Christian Louboutin pumps. While the exact style remains unidentified, those unmistakable red soles speak volumes.

This pair featured black satin fabric, covered heels, wide cross-over straps with side cutouts, and about 4.5-inch heels.

Cate Blanchett's feet in satin Christian Louboutin heelsCate Blanchett’s feet in satin Christian Louboutin heels (Credit: Brian To / WENN)