After two decent web-series, a couple less decent animated movies, and a failed attempt at a feature film that never even made it to production, Halo fans will finally see the beloved science-fiction video game franchise depicted in live action thanks to Showtime, Amblin Television, and 343 Industries.
The series based in the 26th Century war first depicted in 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved is expected to be 10 one-hour episodes and will begin production in early 2019. Critically acclaimed showrunner Kyle Killen (Awake, Lone Star, and Mind Games) will helm the series as writer, executive producer, and showrunner while Rise of the Planet of the Apes’s Rupert Wyatt is also attached as an executive producer in addition to directing multiple episodes.
“Halo is our most ambitious series ever, and we expect audiences who have been anticipating it for years to be thoroughly rewarded,’ said Showtime CEO David Nevins to Xbox.com. “In the history of television, there simply has never been enough great science fiction. Kyle Killen’s scripts are thrilling, expansive and provocative, Rupert Wyatt is a wonderful, world-building director, and their vision of Halo will enthrall fans of the game while also drawing the uninitiated into a world of complex characters that populate this unique universe.”
This is not the first attempt at serializing a live action Halo story. Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries debuted the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn web-series to solid reviews in preparation for the release of Halo 4 in 2012 while a similar attempt with 2014’s Halo: Nightfall web-series was met with a more average reception.
Halo fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years, both with this new TV series and the first new Halo game since 2015 with the recent announcement of Halo: Infinite.
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