Borderlands' studio CEO has dispelled speculation that Handsome Jack is returning in Borderlands 4 next year, saying the mysterious character is "something far more dangerous and sinister."
When Borderlands 4 was finally revealed earlier this week during Gamescom, many immediately speculated that one frame in the trailer teased the return of a prolific villain in the series: Handsome Jack. The theory hinged on a Vault marker superimposed over the face of a character, and Handsome Jack's true face has a Vault marker permanently burned into it.
That’s not handsome jack. That is something far more dangerous and sinisterAugust 21, 2024
This obviously has series fans guessing who the character actually is, but Pitchford hasn't provided any further comments or clues. Could it be Ugly Jack, as some are theorizing, or perhaps Even Handsomer Jack, a strange sort-of successor? Who the hell knows.
This also puts a damper on Borderlands 4 continuing a plotline that's been missing in the series for over a decade. As we chronicled when speculation began earlier this week, Handsome Jack's return might return to the overarching galactic alien war that was teased in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, but was then abandoned in Borderlands 3.
Borderlands 4 launches next year in 2025, and it'll be out on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. Pitchford recently defended his old prediction that Steam would die off, saying that although he's a Steam customer, he just wishes it had more competition.
Check out our Gamescom Opening Night Live recap for a look at everything else announced during the showcase.
