Maya’s death in Borderlands 3 remains one of the most controversial elements of the divisive game, and while her send-off in Krieg’s DLC was nice, some believe it was not enough. While resurrecting her in Borderlands 4 could feel like a cop-out and would raise questions about other characters who have died, the Star Wars franchise boasts a perfect storytelling device that could be borrowed to help bring Maya back without retconning her death.
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Maya in Borderlands 4 Could Work Like Star Wars’ Force Ghosts
Anyone with even a passing knowledge of the Star Wars franchise will likely know about the concept of force ghosts. Used by Jedi that have died, force ghosts allow the deceased Jedi to re-enter the world of the living to communicate with other force sensitive figures. A great way to bring important characters back for key scenes and lessons, force ghosts have been used several times throughout various pieces of Star Wars media.
Gearbox essentially making Maya a force ghost could be the perfect middle ground between leaving her dead and bringing her back. There could be a number of justifications for how this happens, with it being described as an extra Siren ability or something that Maya specifically taught herself to do so that she could continue instructing Ava on how to use her abilities. Maya’s all-important book could also be a way to bring her back, with a certain page able to be read out to summon her force ghost-like form.
As for what Maya could do if brought back, she could essentially function as any other Borderlands NPC, giving players quests or accompanying them on a main story mission. She could appear before Ava to help encourage her during a fight, or she could provide key information on the Lilith mystery. Seeing more of Maya in any form would surely be exciting for fans, as most of the Borderlands community agreed that her death fighting the Calypso Twins was rushed and unnecessary.
A method resembling Star Wars’ force ghosts also allows Gearbox to stick by Maya’s death. While it may have been unpopular, fully resurrecting her would make her death feel pointless, ensuring that the Borderlands 3 story is even more flawed in hindsight. Gearbox should stick to its guns and leave Maya dead, but much like Tiny Tina has kept Roland alive through Assault on Dragon Keep and Wonderlands, Maya could be honored and brought back from time to time. Gearbox has managed to keep Roland relevant without a cheap resurrection tactic, so doing the same for Maya is a must.
While future Maya appearances could be saved for Krieg-focused content, there is no telling when players will find themselves in Krieg’s mind again. A force ghost approach allows her to come back during Borderlands 4’s main story, assisting players as they look for Lilith or continuing on with her role as Ava’s teacher. While the release of the cut Maya funeral scene was a step in the right direction when it comes to giving her a better send-off, more can still be done with the character. Hopefully, Maya has a role in Borderlands 4 that gives fans a bit more time with the beloved Siren.
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