"Halo" The Movie is being made

Messengers outfitted like the hero in Microsoft vidgame "Halo" hit the studios Monday with a screenplay based on the bestselling franchise reports Variety. The script by "28 Days Later" scribe Alex Garland is now complete and has met the approval of Microsoft execs and the game's creators at subsiduary Bungie Studios.

Microsoft and CAA are seeking an advance of $10 million against 15% of the gross and strict control of development of a film adaptation. Winning studio would have to follow a "bible" created by game developers to make sure any changes to the script don't alter the universe established in the first two "Halo" games that will continue in future sequels for the Xbox.

Microsoft was apparently looking for a very quick response from studios, and whichever studio picked it up would have to move quickly into production with a start of shooting date scheduled for January. New Line and DreamWorks have already passed on the project and Sony is believed to have not been included because of its PlayStation division's competition with Microsoft.

Because of its value, Microsoft has been particularly protective of "Halo," refusing to sign the kind of licensing deal typical to most film adaptations. Sources close to those who read the script Monday indicated that it was particularly dense and loyal to the game's world, which features a rich alien mythology, but relatively little in character development (not so official sources have already started slamming it in fact).

[ June 10, 2005, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: rebelman20 ]

[RebelMan]

You know those guys that are fans of the Game so much that they make & sell Master Chief Suits on the net? I really hope those guys help with the suit in the Film.

I can't remember the name of their website.

They had just BETTER use the actors who voice Cortana and Master Chief. Also, Ed Harris IS...Captain Keyes.

As for character development, I hope they spend more time on the script for it. Essentially, the only characters in the first game that were developed at all were Cortana and Captain Keyes. Master Chief was just a silent badass. Guilty Spark should be cool to see, if they include the Flood.

This has so much potential, yet could easily suck. I just hope they're careful.

I also want the Halo 3 game to come out, dammit.

Atleast Uwe Boll isn't involved.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter/Comingsoon.net


Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox are teaming up to make a feature film adaptation of Microsoft video game Halo, says The Hollywood Reporter. Under the deal, Universal will take domestic rights and Fox will handle international distribution on the project.

The deal -- based on a script by 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland -- caused a stir earlier in the week when CAA sent out the script via messengers dressed as Master Chief . The deal came bearing some pretty stiff terms, including a two-hour bidding period and demands for $10 million against 15% of the gross. Reportedly that figure has been whittled down to $5 million. The script was commissioned by Microsoft, which also brought in producer Peter Schlessel to work on the project.

The film is based on the game franchise which has grossed $600 million. Halo is expected to hit the big screen by 2007.
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Source: Reuters/Darkhorizons.com


20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures are teaming to make a feature film adaptation of the Microsoft video game "Halo" says Reuters. Negotiations are still under way as of Thursday night, but under the deal Universal will take domestic rights and Fox will handle international on the project.

The deal -- based on a script by "28 Days Later" scribe Alex Garland -- caused a stir earlier in the week when CAA sent it out via a messenger clad in a "Halo"-esque green costume. The deal came bearing some pretty stiff terms, including a two-hour bidding period and demands for $10 million against 15% of the gross and a start of production by January.

Those strict terms, plus a script that has been described with various terms ranging from "richly complex" to "underwhelming," contributed to some apparently lukewarm responses from many of the studios who read it.

This would explain why that upfront monetary figure has apparently fallen to around $5 million and the 'January' start date requirement will be shifted to a more flexible "in theatres by 2007 demand. Universal is barreling forward with a deal that would divide the pic's cost on a 50/50 basis between the two studios.

[ June 10, 2005, 02:17 PM: Message edited by: rebelman20 ]