Not a stranger to video game narratives, Benjamin Byron Davis is ready for the next adventure. Known for his fan-favorite chatter "Dutch van Der Linde" in Red Dead Redemption, the actor is heading into another video game and movie universe, Borderlands. In the recently released movie, Davis brings to life Marcus Kincaid, the first guy you see when you start the original game. 

 

 

 

 

 

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The action-adventure film, directed by Eli Roth and based on the best-selling video game series of the same name, boasts a star-studded cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, Cate Blanchett, and Jack Black. After nearly a decade of development since its initial announcement in 2015, Borderlands finally hits the big screen, following a ragtag team of mercenaries, scientists, and a wise-cracking robot as they navigate a chaotic planet in pursuit of the daughter of a powerful figure named Atlas.

In our exclusive interview, Benjamin Byron Davis shares insights into his journey from auditioning for the role to joining this vibrant cast, the dynamics of working alongside such an esteemed group of actors, and his thoughts on stepping into the Borderlands universe.

Trevor Perkins: First off, Benjamin, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today for Fandom Daily. I’m excited to dive into your role in the upcoming film Borderlands. Having seen the trailer, I’m intrigued by what the film promises. Could you share more about your involvement in the project and your overall experience?

Benjamin Byron Davis: Absolutely, it’s great to be here. My journey with Borderlands began with an audition. I received the material from Marcus, and knowing it was a video game adaptation directed by Morth, I was already enthusiastic. Once I saw the character design and Bruce DeBose’s work on the game, I felt I could contribute something special. I put together a self-tape, which was quite standard in the industry, and fortunately, I received positive feedback. Before I knew it, I was heading to Budapest to join an incredible cast.

Trevor Perkins: That sounds amazing! The cast for this film is indeed impressive. How did it feel to be a part of such a star-studded lineup?

Benjamin Byron Davis: It was truly surreal. Working alongside such talented individuals was a dream come true. Kate Blanchett, in particular, has been a major inspiration for me throughout my career. The professionalism and dedication she brought to the set were remarkable. Everyone, from Kevin and Jamie to Janina and Edgar, was committed to their roles. Despite the challenges, including filming during lockdown, the entire team’s passion made the process rewarding.

Trevor Perkins: It’s clear that you had a fantastic experience. Were you familiar with the Borderlands universe before joining the film, or was this new territory for you?

Benjamin Byron Davis: I was aware of Borderlands and its distinct visual style, which is quite recognizable. However, I wasn’t deeply familiar with the characters or storyline before diving into the project. Once cast, I immersed myself in the games, particularly Borderlands 3, to better understand my character, Marcus. Though I struggled with the gameplay, listening to Marcus’s lines and studying Bruce DeBose’s portrayal helped me craft my performance.

Trevor Perkins: It’s fascinating to hear about your preparation process. Given that the film is set in such an expansive universe, how did you approach capturing the essence of Marcus while staying true to the game’s spirit?

Benjamin Byron Davis: The goal was to honor the tone and nature of the Borderlands universe while creating a film that could stand on its own. We aimed to celebrate the world and characters, understanding that a direct one-to-one adaptation might not fully satisfy every fan. My previous experience with video games, including Red Dead, helped me appreciate the depth of the source material. We strived to balance fidelity to the games with an accessible narrative for newcomers.

Trevor Perkins: It sounds like a delicate balance. As the film prepares for its release, is there anything you hope viewers take away from it, especially those who might not be familiar with the Borderlands games?

Benjamin Byron Davis: My hope is that the film serves as a gateway for people to explore the storytelling and artistry in video games. Much like comic books, video games have evolved significantly, and the quality of their narratives and design deserves recognition. If this film encourages viewers to revisit the games and appreciate the craft behind them, I’d consider that a major success.

Photo Credit: Provided by Talent