Commenting Rules: Keep the conversation civil and on topic. If your comment does not add to the conversation, it will be removed. Debate intelligently. Insulting the author, /Film, or other commenters will result in comment removal and possible ban. If you want to point out a typo, correction, suggestion or criticism for /Film, please email us instead. Please use your name or nickname and not your business name (ie Discount Car Parts) as we might confuse and mark it as spam. If you would like to have your own Avatar show up with your comment, sign-up for a free Disqus account. Any Links will go into moderation before being approved. Anything we deem as spam will not be approved.

Rumor: Spielberg Jumping On Board The Halo Movie?

Posted on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 by Brendon Connelly

halo_header

Tintin buddies Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg might soon be swapping more than spit performance capture data, with IESB reporting that ET’s daddy might be picking up the producing reigns on Halo some years after Jackson laid them down.

They cite ” studio executives” and “close ties to CAA” as offering confirmation that Spielberg is “currently in active negotiations to develop the feature film adaptation”. But why? What can he see in it that Jackson could not?

The basis for Spielberg’s excitement is apparently Stuart Beattie’s Halo: The Fall of Reach screenplay. I think this is the only developed Halo script I haven’t actually read so, who knows, it might be the good one. On the other hand, Spielberg was getting all hot under his collar about Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen just a few months back, so I wouldn’t suggest he’s any kind of expert on this genre.

There’s some hype about Spielberg being a video gamer, with IESB recounting an anecdote about him getting stuck when playing BioShock. I don’t know about that, but I do know Boom Blox, the Wii game that bears Spielberg’s name, has given more joy than any of his movies. I guess I just like smashing things up with bowling balls.

Beattie’s script was review by Latino Review, and the IESB post quotes their coverage while also reminding that they ran it on April Fool’s Day. I can’t help but wonder (even maybe hope) that some kind of prank is being dragged out a little too far here.

The Fall of Reach storyline comes from Erik Nylund’s 2001 novel of the same name and recounts a back story for the game series’ protagonist, Master Chief. Apparently, he was once a little boy named John before being hothoused into ‘the perfect solider’. Poor soul.

Take note, Conservative Parenting Groups: Halo can’t be all that bad if it gets the little kiddy winkles reading books now can it?

For the record, Neill Blomkamp is not at all interested in making a Halo movie any longer. He told /Film’s very own David Chen, so unlike this Spielberg story - still very much a rumor - there’s a fact you can already take to the bank.

Comments 

Related Posts

Tags

Action/Adventure, Rumors, Sci-Fi, Video Game, , ,

  • Mike
    One thing you also have to keep in mind is Spielberg's ties to Microsoft and Project Natal. I imagine Spielberg is looking at Halo and seeing a hefty paycheck in his future. Halo fans are as die hard as they come and Spielberg could wipe his ass with a film reel and stamp Halo on it and the majority of the fans would gobble it up.
  • BrendonConnelly
    Does he really have any links there? Like, real ones? I'm thinking he was just excited enough to turn up and pimp for them.
  • Wiimo
    He's been quoted as saying how great Natal is & he's developing games specifically for it. Xbox Live's Major Nelson said all of the guests voluntarily came to be at E3 & no money was given out by Microsoft. As a fan of Spielberg and Halo, I hope this is true.
  • Gher
    Better than Fox getting the rights to it
  • Black*Star
    Neat pic. A Halo movie would be epic. Just use the same tech as Cameron's Avatar and you'll be all set.
  • darusame
    To add to his video gaming background, he was the creator the Medal of Honor video game series.
  • pandulce
    Well, it's not Brett Ratner.
  • existenz
    I've read the D.B. Weiss Halo script, and despite a lot of action it had awful characters and dialogue.

    In addition, Stuart Beattie is one of the worst A-list screenwriters out there. Look on IMDB and point out any well-written movie there. OK, Collateral was good. But everything else, especially G.I. Joe, have been terrible.
  • bomberman
    check out the Alex Garland script. it's pretty fucking sweet
  • daniel1234
    Nooo!!!! Ender's Game! Ender's Game! He should direct Ender's Game!!
  • daniel1234
    "On the other hand, Spielberg was getting all hot under his collar about Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen just a few months back, so I wouldn’t suggest he’s any kind of expert on this genre."

    ...Are you an idiot? He just said so because he's the producer of the film and a friend of Bay, i can't believe Spielberg really thought it was a good film, he's too smart for that.
  • whsmith
    He's not an "idiot" at all. After Indy 4, I think it's totally appropriate to question Spielberg's taste and/or intelligence. The fact that he's even in the business of producing movies like Transfomers 2 is enough evidence that he's developed a deeply cynical business sense with little concern for quality. And I guess you didn't read the post - because he isn't talking about directing Halo - he's talking about producing it - just like Transfomers
  • daniel1234
    Right now i question your taste and/or intelligence..
  • whsmith
    Oh I see, you love movies like Indy 4 and Transformers 2. Good for you.
  • mbellerbrock
    BURN!
  • daniel1234
    I refer more to the "I think it's totally appropriate to question Spielberg's taste and/or intelligence."

    It was not his fault in neither cases but Lucas and Bay.
  • the_hollywood_sign
    So, Spielberg shares no fault when he is either producing or directing. Gotcha.

    At the end of the day, Indy4 is a Spielberg film and sucks just the same. I've defended him on Minority Report and the first 2/3 of War of the Worlds (which had jaw-drop sequences), but he's obviously been losing his sensibilities and creative edge.
  • daniel1234
    Spielberg shares no fault when he is producing, directing wise on the other hand.. well.. yes. but the direction in Indy 4 (especially in the first 20 MIN) was good, the problem was Lucas's script.
  • the_hollywood_sign
    So, the first 20 minutes was written by magic?
    I'd love to see the defense for the direction of Indy4. Face it, Daniel, you'll do anything you can to rationalize things in a way that allows you to make Lucas the bad guy.

    Hey, as I said, I will defend Spielberg when he merits it, but Indy4 is pretty indefensible on all counts. He phoned it in. Picked up his paycheck.
  • daniel1234
    "So, the first 20 minutes was written by magic?"

    Wha? The first 20 MIN was good *direction* wise.
  • BrendonConnelly
    And any question of yours has probably been answered.
  • kfizz
    You do know that Bay and Lucas screwed the pooch on there movies. When he let them do it since they were his friends i guess bay never learned all he wanted was big boom and danger that was all he wanted with the movie. I lucas just did not let Spielberg do his job he always had to fight for his 2 cents well nonsenses most of the time. As long as he puts it in the right hands it will be fine. Thank God Bungie will not let it fall in to the wrong hands.
  • Craigasorusrex
    Neill already stated several times that it was kind of heartbreaking investing so much time into the Halo project for it to fall apart at the last minute and he also said he wouldn't direct even if approached.

    Then again minds always change in Hollywood so I guess we'll see.

    As for Spielberg now being attached as producer I can't say I'm completely happy about this.

    I feel it can now turn into a pandering, bloated and obnoxious piece of film (TF2 style). Then again its not like Fox and Universal (more so Fox) would have offered anything better.

    It all really depends on who they hire as director and I hope they bring in another writer with a tad more credibility than Beattie (who isn't all bad but not the greatest either, especially for Halo).

    I'm just hoping that Spielberg doesn't pick a Michael Bay type director for this film. Neill Bloomkamp would definitely be my pick of choice and seeing as Jackson and Spielberg are friends and currently working on Tin Tin its not all that out of the question.
  • quintushalls
    Spielberg's film project ADD is really getting to me. PICK ONE AND STICK WITH IT!!!
  • Corey
    HaNO.
  • justinGentry
    Once District 9 gets released to stellar reviews and makes bank, and he gets offered multimillions for Halo, I'm sure he'll change his mind. Plus, assuming this is true, I'm sure Peter will have *some* involvment, maybe even just giving Spielberg access to everything they worked on at WETA for 3 months.
  • "I do know Boom Blox, the Wii game that bears Spielberg’s name, has given more joy than any of his movies."

    I stopped reading there...
  • kfizz
    Well I think he was talking about more recent times. Plus if you have played the game you would know what we know. The game is a blast its fun with friends and alone. For thou's who don't know the game. Here is what it is; imagen throwing a ball at milk bottles. Well now think of every way you can do that plucking, pulling, throwing and building. It just boils down to different rules and ways to play that. It was one of the first wii games to take hold of what the wii means to games. So that in mind don't be to hard if you don't think his point is valid.
  • RocknRolla
    Instead of remaking films from the 50's, Spielberg should direct movies like Halo. He would excel within the Halo universe. But no, he's just looking for potential franchises to be produced under the Amblin and DreamWorks banner. Color me unimpressed.
  • prentice
    That isn't a color.
  • Bewildering comments pointed at Spielberg in that post. You dismiss his excitement for the Halo project because of an article you guys posted that you say indicated Spielberg was pumped about Transformers 2. That's not what the article says, it says that Michael Bay, not exactly a great source when he's hyping his own movies, said he was excited.

    Then telling us Spielberg isn't an expert in the Sci-Fi genre? Perhaps you should go back and watch a few of his movies...
  • BrendonConnelly
    Seen them all.

    And "sci-fi" is rather broad, right? We're actually talking about a certain kind of sci-fi action film here.
  • MemeberX
    If he does do it, hopefully he will use ILM. I understand why he's useing WETA for TinTin but I hope he won't completly switch to WETA. That, would piss me off.
  • eddymovies
    A lot of this article wreaks of pessimism. Next time you write something, how about eating a candy bar? Or saying good morning to the sun? Cheer up chuckles. Besides, I can't take anyone seriously if you haven't enjoyed at least one of Spielberg's (in my opinion) masterful filmography.

    On top of that, we're talking about Halo, here. The games are perfect for the summer movie formula - look good, not much else.
  • misterclock
    if Spielberg can get the cost of the HALO movie under $200 million, I think a studio will pick up his option.
  • spinster
    Halo would have a lot of doubts, but it would probably be good, jus like Gi Joe thjat was the summer's best movie
  • mbellerbrock
    Wow, I can't figure out if you actually hate Halo, Spielberg or both... like someone else said this is so full of pessimism is astounding. Boom Blox better than any Spielberg movie, wtf? Sure he's made some stinkers, but how can anyone deny that ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan are anything but masterpieces. I have to seriously question someone who doesn't give Spielberg any credit at all. You sort of hope this is a drawn out April fool's joke? And boiling down the great story of The Fall of Reach (the best book by far) into a laughable unrepresentative cliche. What's your beef Brendon, bad night?
  • Pife
    Spielberg attempting to muscle in on Halo huh? Well that fills me with nothing but pure dread! I use to have mucho respect for SS, Empire of the Sun and Saving Private Ryan are some of my favs, but War of the Worlds, Indy 4, and Transformers 2 were earth shattering disasters, and once I found out that he was initially going to Nuke the Fridge in the original Back to the Future pt. 1 draft I was done with him. If anyone can destroy a legacy as glorious as Halo it would be Steven. He killed Indy in one foul swoop. At least we have District 9, out of the ashes rises a Phoenix!
  • spinster
    Spielberg also killed the jaws and the war of the worlds stories, peter jackson should have made the war of the worlds reboot
  • jeffe
    Spielberg didn't write that BttF draft. He was the one who stopped the movie from nuking the fridge. And to be honest, while i didn't like Indy 4, I find it hard to blame Spielberg. He didn't write the script, he just directed from something someone else wrote, which was the only script that could get Lucas' approval. And I'm not placing the whole blame on Lucas, because I think the monkey swinging was worse than the fridge and Spielberg should have been able to at least have put his foot down there. But, the story elements came from the script. For that, I've gotta give Spielberg kudos for not letting the movie be even more of a disappointment, which it could have been in different hands.

    All I'm saying is, think before you criticize. And not just you, but most everyone on this page.

    And one more thing, Spielberg has nothing to do with District 9. You may not have meant any correlation but that's what it sounds like.
  • Pife
    What I meant Jeffe was that Neill Blomkamp was originally suppose to direct the Halo movie, instead he was forced off the project and made District 9 instead which is going to be a huge success. Speilberg's precious name should be nowhere near films like Indy 4, War of the Worlds, or attached to Transformers 2 which is arguably the worst blockbuster film of the decade. I do think before I criticize and if you love that once great director and his partner in crime by all means go let him and George Lucas double rape you as they did Indiana Jones 4, and the Star Wars prequels!
  • wazuu
    I can't really say Im excited for a Halo movie because most likely it's going to blow, if Jackson works on it I think it might be a solid film. I need to see a trailer to convince me which is going to be years away.
  • amirmd
    the problem with this master is that , at the present time he will make a HALO movie to be watchable for children under 13 years ,a funny and cute halo !!! I think he spoiled Michael Bay in transformers2 ...look at the film's trailer again, there isn't any funny factor in it , but in the movie the old robot farts and have HUGE BALLZZZZ......steven please leave it to peter!
  • wkamp
    You know Brendon, you are the most biased blogger on this site... I like the news that you uncover, but half of your "funny" comments could be left out for something a little more objective and relevant.
  • poltah
    Brendon is actually my favorite blogger on the site. His posts are definitely the most well written on the site, and I like that he has an opinion, and I like that it shows in every post. And often it puts a smile on my face.
  • BrendonConnelly
    We've all got opinions, I think. And perhaps there's a few of mine that a few of you don't like so much, but I think that's equally true with the other bloggers.

    Thanks for the kind words, Poltah.
  • jamieromance
    spielberg is washed up, i wish he would the billionaire would just retire and not ruin his legacy
  • joeblo
    Better Steven, than the pathetic sell out Stephen Sommers.
    I'm sick of hollywood turning great possibilities into sheeeeet.
    Steven better have tight kun fu grip on this, someone with half a brain and talent.
  • "Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg might soon be swapping more than spit"

    why??


    "What can he see in it that Jackson could not?"

    the money, maybe?


    and i would like Spielberg to be involved
  • BrendonConnelly
    a) the more-than bit being the project itself b) Jackson couldn't see money?
blog comments powered by Disqus

gorilla nation

/Film

Copyright © 2010 /Film. Web design by Pro Blog Design. Logo Concept by: Illumination Ink

All names, trademarks and images are copyright their respective owners.