Editing Halo film

{{Title|''Halo'' film}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
[[File:Halofilm.jpg|thumb|The image released alongside Bungie's announcement of the ''Halo'' film in 2004.]]
{{Quote|If we ever make a Halo movie, who would you want to write it?" I asked [[Martin O'Donnell|Marty]] as we exited the theater, "I bet that Garland guy would be all over the [[Flood]].|[[Joseph Staten]], after watching ''[[wikipedia:28 Days Later|28 Days Later]]''.{{Ref/Site|Id=GreatJourney|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=6403|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Great (Hollywood) Journey|D=07|M=02|Y=2021}}}}
The '''''Halo'' film''', officially confirmed in [[2005 (real world)|2005]],{{Ref/Site|Id=BBC|URL=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4181000.stm|Site=BBC News|Page=Halo game set for silver screen|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} was a film project in development until its ultimate cancellation in [[2006]].{{Ref/Site|Id=HaloHolding|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/31/halo-holding|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Holding|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} The film, intended to be produced by [[Peter Jackson]] and Fran Walsh and directed by [[Neill Blomkamp]] was postponed indefinitely when funding studios [[wikipedia:20th Century Fox|20th Century Fox]] and [[wikipedia:Universal Studios|Universal Pictures]] pulled out due to monetary concerns.{{Ref/Reuse|IndieWire}}

When plans for the film eventually fell through, Jackson and Blomkamp instead started production on ''[[wikipedia:District 9|District 9]]''. Many elements from the cancelled ''Halo'' film were re-used or adapted for ''District 9'', including the basic [[Warthog]] and [[Pod infector]] designs.

==Development==
[[File:Neill Blomkamp.jpg|thumb|150px|Neill Blomkamp.]]
===Early origins===
Discussions for a potential ''Halo'' film began in early [[2002]], shortly after the release of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and in the early preproduction stages of ''[[Halo 2]]''. At this time, Hollywood began getting in contact with Bungie staff, surprising the development team with just how far their game's success had reached. Ultimately, these early talks didn't amount to much, as film production for game adaptations at the time was expected to see Bungie have almost nothing to do with the film, with creative control entirely ceded to the filming crew. As such, [[Pete Parsons]] urged [[Joseph Staten]] to put the film on the backseat, as any time spent on a film project would be time taken away from [[Development of Halo 2|developing ''Halo 2'']] - a production which would soon become an infamous development hell.{{Ref/Reuse|GreatJourney}}

Toward the end of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development, Parsons introduced Staten to Peter Schlessel (the former president of Columbia Pictures) to discuss a ''Halo'' film, though Schlessel was dubious about the idea. Instead, Schlessel urged Bungie to finance a script themselves, and provided a shortlist of writers for consideration - intending for Bungie to get their script together and then pitch it to Hollywood to be picked up. Staten and [[Martin O'Donnell]] had seen ''28 Days Later'' a few months prior during a trip to Los Angeles to record ''Halo 2'' voice dialogue, and thus were excited to see the film's writer, [[Wikipedia:Alex Garland|Alex Garland]], on Schlesser's list - having previously speculated that Garland would be perfect for writing a story with the [[Flood]]. A phone call with Garland to discuss potential high-level ideas for a film saw Garland offer to visit the Bungie offices in Seattle, and work began in earnest on creating a script for a ''Halo'' film.{{Ref/Reuse|GreatJourney}} In February 2005, Creative Artists Agency confirmed that Microsoft had completed a million dollar deal to sign Alex Garland to write the ''Halo'' screenplay to be offered around to studios.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://variety.com/2005/digital/markets-festivals/halo-hollywood-1117917399/|Site=Variety|Page=Halo, Hollywood|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}}

Following the release of ''[[Halo 2]]'', [[Joseph Staten]] took a backseat on the ''Halo'' game development to recover from the stress the project had put him through. At this time, around 2005, he began to work with [[Ensemble Studios]] on their upcoming [[Titan (canceled game)|''Halo'' MMO]] and ''[[Halo Wars]]'' projects, alongside writing ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' and becoming the general franchise manager for ''Halo''{{'}}s extended universe. This role saw Staten head up on the new ''Halo'' movie project - which saw Staten take a minimal role on ''[[Halo 3]]'' for most of the game's [[Development of Halo 3|development]].{{Ref/Reuse|VICE}}

===Collaboration with Peter Jackson===
The ''Halo'' film was born of a collaboration between Bungie and [[WingNut Interactive]], a studio founded by Peter Jackson who expressed interest in creating a ''Halo'' game. At the time of Bungie becoming independent from Microsoft in [[2007]], a contract was agreed upon in which Bungie would provide three more ''Halo'' games, in return for their independence - these three games were ''Halo 3'', a mainline sequel which eventually turned into ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo: Chronicles]]'' - which would be produced alongside Peter Jackson and WingNut. Jackson visited Bungie's offices in [[2005]] to speak with Staten and [[Paul Bertone]], with the rest of the team focused on what the successor to ''Halo 3'' was going to be. Later on, Staten and Bertone visited Jackson in New Zealand to plan out the ''Chronicles'' prototype - during which discussions the ideas of the ''Halo'' film circulated more.{{Ref/Site|Id=VICE|URL=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history#ulf-1|Site=VICE|Page=The Complete, Untold Story of Halo|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

Garland's screenplay was completed later in the year, and on June 6 a stunt was performed in which a series of actors dressed as Master Chief were driven to the various studios in Hollywood with a copy of the ''Halo'' script and terms for the deal. This was done by Microsoft, new to the film industry, in an attempt to dazzle the Hollywood executives - which succeeded in making headlines.{{Ref/Site|Id=IGNDelivered|URL=http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/622/622951p1.html|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Movie Script Delivered|D=11|M=06|Y=2005}} Ultimately, these terms were seen as extremely heavy-handed, and showed how unfamiliar Microsoft was in dealing with the medium of film.{{Ref/Site|Id=Wired|URL=https://www.wired.com/2012/04/halo-movie-generation-xbox/|Site=Wired|Page=Why the Halo Movie Failed to Launch|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}}

For the rights to a film production, Microsoft expected to be paid a $10 million fee as well as the studio's agreement to adhere to guidelines set by the game's developers.{{Ref/Reuse|IGNDelivered}} Microsoft also wanted the studio to seek approval over the director and cast. In addition, Microsoft sought full merchandising rights for itself, a minimum $75 million budget, and company representatives' full access to the film's rough cuts in Los Angeles. Most potential studios - namely Paramount, DreamWorks, Sony, and Warner Bros. - did not want to cede creative rights to the film and passed over the project.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=9de0f087-25f9-4103-9eef-1b79b3c7ab08|Site=E! Online|Page=Hollywood's Halo Effect|D=01|M=10|Y=2007}}

Ultimately, 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios entered negotiations with Microsoft to divide the distribution rights to ''Halo''. The original $10 million deal was reduced based on the studios' negative response to the exorbitant price tag. All negotiating parties eventually agreed upon a deal to produce the ''Halo'' film; it was decided that Universal would distribute domestically, and take sales from the U.S. box office, while Fox would take the international distribution - with both co-financing the film. The studios agreed to give Microsoft $5 million to option the film, and 10% of grosses.{{Ref/Site|Id=IndieWire|URL=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/it-was-a-clusterfuck-from-day-one-6-things-about-neill-blomkamps-failed-halo-movie-20120419?page=1|Site=IndieWire|Page="It Was A Clusterfuck From Day One": 5 Things About Neill Blomkamp's Failed 'Halo' Movie|D=29|M=07|Y=2015}} 

On August 22, 2005, the deal was announced to be finalized, with summer 2007 as the target release date.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117927889.html?categoryid=1238&cs=1|Site=Variety|Page=Halo makes a date|D=07|M=01|Y=2007}} On October 4, Bungie announced their partnership with Peter Jackson, alongside Universal Studios' producers Mary Parent and Scott Stuber.{{Ref/Site|Id=Gorilla|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=6788|Site=Bungie.net|Page=10,000 Pound Gorilla|D=05|M=02|Y=2021}} It was later revealed that the film would have been shot in [[wikipedia:Wellington|Wellington]], New Zealand.{{Ref/Reuse|BBC}}

In July 2006, author [[wikipedia:D. B. Weiss|D. B. Weiss]] announced that he was working on his second draft of the new script for ''Halo'', which contained elements of the project's original screenplay by Alex Garland.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/07/gamesetinterview_db_weiss.php|Site=GameSetWatch|Page=GameSetInterview: Halo Screenwriter DB Weiss|D=28|M=08|Y=2021}} Other screenwriters, namely [[wikipedia:Scott Frank|Scott Frank]] and [[wikipedia:Josh Olson|Josh Olson]] were also attached to the rewriting of Garland's script. 

A few weeks after Bungie's meeting with Jackson in New Zealand, Guillermo del Toro was signed on to direct with Jackson producing, though del Toro's involvement ultimately fell through and he was replaced by Neill Blomkamp.{{Ref/Reuse|VICE}} An interview with del Toro conducted in August 2005 mentioned that the director was excited for ''Halo'' due to finding the series' setting and protagonist of the Master Chief interesting in a way that other video game films weren't - though also added that he was early in the pre-production stages for ''Hellboy II'', and thus considered it his first priority, adding that if the option were still available once ''Hellboy'' had finished he would still be open to make ''Halo''.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/del-toro-caught-halo-hellboy/|Site=Empire|Page=Del Toro Caught Between Halo And Hellboy|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

Blomkamp's involvement was announced in August 2006, with the caveat that he would direct for a smaller fee - despite Microsoft wanting Jackson to direct. Ultimately, Jackson's more direct involvement would cost much more money - with Jackson's fees already running into several millions of dollars. During this time, Universal funded $12 million for the film's development - a portion of which was spent by del Toro during his tenure with concept art produced. This concept art was stated by Blomkamp to be something he was confident Bungie were happy with, though Microsoft became worried the material was too unconventional for the summer blockbuster they wanted. Ultimately, del Toro went on to make ''Hellboy II: The Golden Army'' and the rest of the money was spent on the new screenwriters and a watch for Peter Jackson.{{Ref/Reuse|Wired}}

===Cancellation===
In January 2006, Universal's chairman Stacey Snider stepped down from her role, though Universal agreed to honour their existing contract on the film. This involved Peter Jackson taking a significant chunk of the budget as his pay, with Microsoft promised another 10% of the payout. Later in September 2006, Fox co-chairmen Tom Rothman Jim Gianopoulos were stated to have been worried about the glacial pace of development and spiralling costs - with no completed script to show for it. Fox ultimately called for a meeting to express these concerns, with rumours saying that News Corp. CEO Peter Chernin called upon Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to remove Universal from the project entirely.{{Ref/Reuse|Vulture}}

In October 2006, Universal were nearing another payment, prompting Rothman and Gianopoulos to insist that the first-dollar deals awarded to Jackson, Fran and Schlessel all be revoked - or Fox would walk.{{Ref/Reuse|Vulture}}  Jackson consulted with Microsoft, his co-producers,  and Blomkamp, but ultimately refused the deal. Universal and Fox subsequently removed themselves from the deal. Blomkamp and Jackson have both cited money and control as their main reasons to abandon production.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/best-films-never-made-neill-blomkamps-halo_b_3948316|Site=Huffington Post|Page=Best Films Never Made: Neill Blomkamp's Halo|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}} In response to these events, a representative of Jackson and Walsh stated; 

{{Article quote|Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment. Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce [the percentage of profits they would receive from the film]. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungie, respectfully declined.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2006/10/20/halo-movie-dumped|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Movie Dumped|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}}}}

Contrary to claims that Microsoft were seeking other distributors for the film, WingNut Films stated;

{{Article quote|As was previously confirmed, we deeply regret that both Universal and Fox did not choose to move forward with financing the ''Halo'' film under the original terms of the agreement. At this time Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, along with their partner, Microsoft, have mutually agreed to postpone making a feature film based on the ''Halo'' video game universe until we can fulfill the promise we made to millions of ''Halo'' fans throughout the world that we would settle for no less than bringing a first class film to the big screen. We are fully supportive of director Neill Blomkamp's vision of the film. Neill is a tremendously gifted filmmaker and his preliminary work on ''Halo'' is truly awe-inspiring. While it will undoubtedly take a little longer for ''Halo'' to reach the big screen, we are confident that the final feature film will be well worth the wait.{{Ref/Reuse|HaloHolding}}}}

Blomkamp later elaborated on this, stating that considerable studio friction drove the project apart. Blomkamp felt that the production studios, especially Tom Rothman (co-chairman of Fox), did not trust his creative vision, and that as someone in the target demographic for ''Halo'' he was much more suited to make creative decisions than them. His vision for a ''"gritty, post-cyberpunk aesthetic"'' clashed with the studios' wish for a more traditional summer blockbuster - further adding that he believed ''"Rothman hated me"'', and would have fired him if he had the authority to. Similar creative tensions manifested with Microsoft, who were also clashing with the two film production studios over monetary issues - though he added that he believed Bungie were happy with the film's direction.{{Ref/Reuse|Wired}}

Fox pulling out of the project Universal had already poured $12 million caused Universal to threaten Fox with legal action, though the two ultimately settled out of court - though anonymous sources later reported that Universal lost nearly all of its investment in the process.{{Ref/Reuse|Vulture}} Despite this obstacle in production, Ken Kamins - a representative of Jackson - confirmed in an interview on October 29, 2007 that the ''Halo'' film was still in pre-production. According to Kamins, Blomkamp had not been dropped - in spite of his earlier statements.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/174687/ms-already-in-talks-to-continue-halo-film/|Site=CVG|Page=MS "already in talks" to continue Halo film|D=17|M=10|Y=2012}}

On July 24, [[2009]], Blomkamp denied that his upcoming ''District 9'' would be a showcase for his ''Halo'' film intentions, and confirmed he was no longer involved{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.slashfilm.com/confirmed-director-neill-blomkamp-would-probably-not-do-a-halo-film-even-if-offered-one/|Site=Slashfilm|Page=Confirmed: Director Neill Blomkamp Would Probably Not Do a Halo Film, Even If Offered One|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}} The director later revealed in August that the film's budget would have been $120 million.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.ugo.com/movies/district-9-neill-blomkamp-interview/|Site=UGO|Page=District 9 - Neill Blomkamp Interview|D=07|M=07|Y=2010}}

===Story and script===
====Garland's script====
<!--https://web.archive.org/web/20051124033711/http://latinoreview.com/scriptreviews/halo/review.html-->
In a 2012 interview with IGN, Garland described his screenplay for ''Halo'' as essentially an adaptation of the story of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', with elements of ''[[Halo 2]]''{{'}}s ending. Garland described his vision as one mostly informed by the games themselves, and also akin to a less satirical take on ''Starship Troopers''.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/20/alex-garland-discusses-his-halo-movie|Site=IGN|Page=Alex Garland Discusses His Halo Movie|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} This has also been supported by Paul Russel.{{Ref/Twitter|docabominable|1602656390920785921|Paul Russel|Quote=The concept art was fun. Would’ve looked very different than the games. If they were using Garland’s script it would’ve been a straight retelling of the first game.|D=13|M=12|Y=2022}}

====Del Toro's script====
In [[2020]], [[Paul Russel]] recalled a mention by [[Joseph Staten]] of a script pitched to him by Guillermo del Toro. In this script, del Toro supposedly envisioned that Master Chief would have a twin brother who would turn evil and defect to the Flood (or possibly become infected) - with the two facing off at the film's climax.{{Ref/YouTube|9ndZbg8Mr-Q|IGN|Halo: Combat Evolved Devs React to Speedrun (Marty O'Donnell, Marcus Lehto)|Time=3534|Detail=58:54}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/halo-movie-guillermo-del-toro-master-chief-evil-twin-flood|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Movie: Guillermo del Toro Apparently Wanted Master Chief to Have an Evil Twin|D=30|M=03|Y=2022}}

====Beattie's script====
During the writer's strike in [[2007 (real world)|2007]], Stuart Beattie - a screenwriter known for his work on ''G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'' - took it upon himself to write a speculative script for a ''Halo'' film treatment, unrelated to the script penned by Garland intended for use in the now-dead film project. Unlike Garland's script, Beattie's screenplay is based upon ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', a novel written by [[Eric Nylund]]. The script was compared to ''Jaws'', with the Covenant not being seen for the first half of the film to build up their threat.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.slashfilm.com/498717/gi-joe-screenwriter-stuart-beattie-has-written-halo-spec-script/|Site=SlashFilm|Page=G.I. Joe Screenwriter Stuart Beattie Has Written Halo Spec Script|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} Beattie was quoted as saying; ''"It's not something I can direct right now, because it's a big $100 million-plus film... [but] I would just love to see a Halo movie up there on screen. It's magnificent."''{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-halo-movie-has-reach-4305|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: Halo Movie has Reach!|D=02|M=04|Y=2008}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/stuart-beattie-wrote-his-own-halo-script-to-sell/|Site=FirstShowing|Page=Stuart Beattie Wrote His Own Halo Script to Sell!|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.blastr.com/2009/07/why_stuart_beattie_believ.php/|Site=Blastr|Page=Why Stuart Beattie believes his Halo film will work|NoArchive=yes|Detail=Deadlink|D=30|M=07|Y=2009}} By October 2008, Beattie's script was projected to have a 2009 release.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://screenrant.com/halo-fall-of-reach-movie/|Site=ScreenRant|Page=Is There Any Progress On The Halo: Fall Of Reach Movie?|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

===Art and props===
{{Quote|Um. The dudes at WETA made a Warthog. I don’t mean that they made a big plastic thing that looks like a Warthog. I mean they built a fully-functioning, four-wheel steering, powerful, off-road vehicle with a machine gun on the back. At the correct scale. If you live near Wellington, New Zealand, you might even see some crazy machine-shop dude from WETA fishtailing around your base, ahem, I mean neighborhood.|Frank O'Connor{{Ref/Site|Id=BWU72007|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12669|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update: 7/20/07|D=07|M=02|Y=2021}}}}
Preproduction for the film was primarily carried out by [[WETA Workshop]], known for their work on ''Lord of the Rings''. WETA worked for around six months to create a number of physical props for the film and the subsequent ''Halo: Landfall'' short film, based on equipment designs from across ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'' and the then-upcoming ''Halo 3''.{{Ref/Site|Id=RT|URL=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com:80/m/district_9/news/1842105/2/neill_blomkamp_talks_district_9_rt_interview|Site=Rotten Tomatoes|Page=Neill Blomkamp talks District 9 - RT Interview|D=03|M=02|Y=2010}} These include [[BR55 battle rifle]]s, [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]]s, [[ODST armor]], [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|Marine armor]], a [[Laser designator]], an [[M41 SPNKR]] rocket launcher and perhaps most notably, a 1:1 fully-drivable replica of the [[M12 Warthog]], complete with a fully-rotating [[M41 Vulcan]] turret.{{Ref/Reuse|BWU72007}} A number of images of these props were posted by Blomkamp on his Instagram page in [[2014]], though many of the images have since been deleted. They include radical redesigns of the [[Covenant]] species, with total rehauls given to the [[Sangheili|Elite]] and [[San'Shyuum|Prophet]] characters.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.healthregen.net/2015/01/neill-blomkamps-failed-halo-movie-props/|Site=Health Regen|Page=Neill Blomkamp’s Failed Halo Movie Props|D=06|M=01|Y=2015}} 

Concept art for the film was produced, including by artists [[Eddie Smith]] and Aaron Beck.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://visualatrium.blogspot.com/p/illustrations.html|Site=Visualatrium|Page=llustrations|Detail=The artwork referred to as "Awakening" on Eddie Smith's portfolio website|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/13DBL|Site=Artstation|Page=The Chief Awakens|Quote=This is one of the first paintings I did back on 2005 for a possible Halo Film when I worked at Bungie.|Quotee=Eddie Smith|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} Smith was responsible for a painting done in early 2005, showcasing the Master Chief having his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|MJOLNIR Mark V]] armor inspected by some technicians, while Beck would post some of his concept work on Instagram in [[2021 (real world)|2021]] - depicting concept art for an Elite redesign - before later deleting the post.{{Ref/Twitter|thenoblesaber|1362635052190887940|Saber One|Quote=Aaron Beck just posted this on Instagram. Possible concept art of Elites for the #Halo movie by Neill Blomkamp? Looks pretty similar to the maquette.|Detail=Original source defunct|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

Guillermo del Toro also did a concept design for the Master Chief during his brief time attached to the film. He described the process in the DVD commentary for ''[[wikipedia:Hellboy II: The Golden Army|Hellboy 2]]'', in which he described Master Chief's helmet as being ''"sleek and self concealed"''. It is likely that this direction, along with the unconventional Elite and Prophet designs mentioned prior, were those concepts mentioned as being too risky for Microsoft - who were wanting more conventional designs for a summer action blockbuster.{{Ref/Reuse|Wired}}
<gallery>
File:HaloMovie Awakening Concept.jpg|Concept art created for the film by [[Eddie Smith]] for Del Toro's film.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/CR2-nm6pyPH/|Site=Instagram|Page=Eddie Smith|Quote=THE CHIEF AWAKENS<br>I painted this in 2004 while working at Bungie Studios. At one point, Guillermo Del Toro wanted to make a Halo film that he planned to pitch to several studios. This painting was the first in a series of pitch artwork that was done for it. I envisioned Master Chief's suit as a wearable spacecraft, since that’s what real life space suits are, pretty much. And like NASA astronauts, a team of engineers would assemble the suit around him. This painting was also used by 343 INDUSTRIES for HALO 5.|D=30|M=01|Y=2023}}
File:HaloMovie Insurrection Concept.jpg|Exploratory concept art by Eddie Smith for Del Toro's film.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/CSneJDoFiCy/|Site=Instagram|Page=Eddie Smith|Quote=INSURRECTION<br>This was the second mood piece (after THE CHIEF AWAKENS, previous post), I did in a small series, again for Guillermo Del Toro and his unrealized Halo Film. Here, an O.D.ST commando restrains an upset Master Chief, chewing out a Lieutenant for his negligence leading to a soldier's death. The dead Spartan in question can be seen to the far left being carried off by flight crew officers.|D=30|M=01|Y=2023}}
File:HaloMovie Elite Concept.png|Concept art for a radically redesigned Elite, by Aaron Beck.
File:HaloMovie Elite Prop.jpg|A physical prop of an Elite, posted by Neill Blomkamp on Instagram.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://instagram.com/p/ntynbEqhHW/|Site=Instagram|Page=@Neill Blomkamp|Quote=#halo elite from 06 #weta|NoArchive=yes|D=04|M=05|Y=2014}}
File:HaloMovie Prophet Prop.jpg|A physical prop of a Prophet, posted by Neill Blomkamp on Instagram.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://instagram.com/p/vq8TaLKhAQ/|Site=Instagram|Page=@Neill Blomkamp|Quote=#halo #prophet over my desk from failed film|NoArchive=yes|D=11|M=11|Y=2014}}
File:HaloMovie SniperRifle Prop.jpg|Journalist Stephen Totilo holding the sniper rifle prop, after Bungie's headquarters were investigated by the police.
File:Nathan_Fillion_sniper.jpg|[[Nathan Fillion]] holding the sniper rifle during his visit to Bungie for his work on ''Halo 3: ODST''.
</gallery>

At the end of the film projects, the various physical props made for the production were packed up into storage crates. A few of these props ended up being sent to the Bungie offices including at least one battle rifle and the sniper rifle. During a studio move in 2009, Bungie employees carrying these prop firearms were mistaken by people in the street for gunmen carrying AK-47s, and Kirkland police were called to investigate.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://kotaku.com/police-swarm-to-bungie-on-weapons-call-during-kotaku-vi-5351721|Site=Kotaku|Page=Police Swarm To Bungie On Weapons Call During Kotaku Visit|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} Bungie later sold off their battle rifle in [[2011]] during a charity auction for Child's Play, wherein the prop was sold for $4,550.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://cgi.ebay.com/Bungie-Original-Halo-Weta-UNSC-Battle-Rifle-/320718583181?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aac51358d|Site=eBay|Page=Bungie: Original Halo Weta UNSC Battle Rifle|D=01|M=07|Y=2011}}

Several of the battle rifle props are still kept by Neill Blomkamp in his office, as of [[2019]].{{Ref/Twitter|neillblomkamp|1100165839666393089|Neill Blomkamp|Quote=ahha. i love that [sniper rifle] prop. whoever designed that for HALO originally know of the SA NTW-20. I still have some of the Battle Rifles in my office from the Landfall shoot|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}
<gallery>
File:HaloMovie BlomkampRifle Props.jpg|A number of rifle props from Blomkamp's various films, including a ''Halo'' battle rifle.
File:Landfall WETA Props.jpg|A large selection of props developed by WETA.
</gallery>

Concept art for Stuart Beattie's iteration of the ''Halo'' film would later leak online on the review site ''LatinoReview'' - the same site which had originally leaked details about Garland's script. The five images, concepted by Kasra Farahani, were done as part of a pitch prepared to present to Microsoft some time around late 2008. However, these concepts were essentially fan art done for an independent pitch - not officially comissioned artwork by Microsoft. The first depicts the SPARTAN-IIs deploying into space in the middle of a space battle involving what appears to be {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, led by Master Chief. This first image possibly coincides with the mission to [[Gamma Station]] during the [[Space engagements over Reach|space battle over Reach]], late in the book.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-halo-fall-of-reach-concept-art-5150|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: Halo Fall Of Reach Concept Art!|D=27|M=08|Y=2008}} The second image features the Master Chief and the other Spartan cadets training on Reach.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-2nd-halo-fall-of-reach-concept-art-5186|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: 2nd Halo Fall Of Reach Concept Art!|D=27|M=08|Y=2008}}

The third and fourth concepts deal with the Spartans' defense (and ultimate defeat) of Reach.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-3rd-halo-fall-of-reach-movie-concept-art-5237|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: 3rd Halo Fall Of Reach Concept Art!|D=28|M=08|Y=2008}} The fourth image is said to depict Master Chief fighting to get [[Cortana]] off Reach, with [[Carol Rawley|Foehammer]]'s Pelican coming to save him.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-4th-halo-fall-of-reach-movie-concept-art-5275|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: 4th Halo Fall Of Reach Concept Art!|D=28|M=08|Y=2008}} The fifth concept showcases the ''Pillar of Autumn'' engaging in a space [[Battle over Installation 04]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-5th-halo-fall-of-reach-concept-art-5313|Site=LatinoReview|Page=Exclusive: 5th Halo Fall Of Reach Concept Art!|D=28|M=08|Y=2008}}
<gallery>
File:HaloMovie_SpartanEVA_Concept.jpg|Concept of Spartans (with Master Chief in the middle) deploying in an [[extra-vehicular activity]].
File:HaloMovie SpartanTraining Concept.jpg|Concept art of [[SPARTAN-II training]].
File:HaloMovie_SpartanDeath_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Spartans getting defeated by the Covenant.
File:HaloMovie ReachEvac Concept.jpg|Concept art of Master Chief fighting for evacuation off Reach.
File:HaloMovie_SpaceBattle_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the ''Pillar of Autumn'' fighting the Covenant over Installation 04.
</gallery>

==Legacy==
The collaboration of many creators involved with the ''Halo'' film would ultimately go on to inform several major films released in the ensuing years. Guillermo del Toro was later slated to direct the ''Hobbit'' films produced by Peter Jackson, though he ultimately ended up stepping away from the project to work on ''Pacific Rim'' alongside Mary Parent - with Jackson going on to direct the ''Hobbit'' trilogy.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://hnentertainment.co/an-extensive-look-at-the-halo-movie-that-never-happened/|Site=HN Entertainment|Page=An Extensive Look at The ‘Halo’ Movie That Never Happened|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}
===''Halo'' TV and webseries===
Although the ''Halo'' film was ultimately dead, Microsoft's hopes for a ''Halo'' live action feature were not. On August 10, 2009, [[wikipedia:Steven Spielberg|Steven Spielberg]] was reported to have been ''"blown away"'' by Beattie's screenplay, and was in ''"active negotiations"'' to produce a future ''Halo'' feature.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://kotaku.com/5333561/steven-spielberg-to-produce-halo-movie|Site=Kotaku|Page=Steven Spielberg To Produce Halo Movie?|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}} These discussions, involving Spielberg and DreamWorks, were reported to focus on adapting the ''Halo'' novels, rather than the games, to avoid the mess of the previous film. This would additionally offset any issues with the lingering hostilities from the previous attempt, with DreamWorks worried that Universal might try and elicit payment for the $12 million they had lost in their preproduction.{{Ref/Site|Id=Vulture|URL=https://www.vulture.com/2010/10/the_new_halo_video_game_is_a_h.html|Site=Vulture|Page=The New Halo Game Is a Hit — So What’s the Status of the Halo Movie?|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

Spielberg was ultimately later involved with discussions with Microsoft, and would later go on to produce the [[Halo: The Television Series|''Halo'' television series]]. The failures of the ''Halo'' film were learnt from heavily in the production of the TV show, with Microsoft dialing back their need for total adherence to strict canon and creative control. This ultimately led to the creation of the "[[Silver Timeline]]" alternate continuity, in which the TV show is set.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://variety.com/2022/tv/features/halo-series-paramount-plus-master-chief-1235205361/|Site=Variety|Page=More Than $90 Million and 265 Script Drafts Later, 'Halo' Is Finally a TV Show|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}}

The following day, Microsoft responded to the prior report by Spielberg, claiming it was ''"glad"'' of the enthusiasm surrounding a ''Halo'' feature, although the project still remained on hold.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://kotaku.com/5334508/microsoft-halo-movie-still-on-hold|Site=Kotaku|Page=Microsoft: Halo Movie Still "On Hold"|D=20|M=03|Y=2022}} On October 6, 2009, [[Frank O'Connor]] confirmed that Microsoft was still ''"being very careful to pick the right time and the right partner"'' with regards to a new ''Halo'' feature.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2009-10-05-halo-spins-off-products_N.htm|Site=USA Today|Page=Video game 'Halo' spins off books, action figures and more|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} In [[2010]], O'Connor stated that Microsoft will make a film ''"when the time is right"'', and that it would be a standalone story rather than ''"a verbatim retelling of the game"''.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/08/halo-movie-will-happen|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Movie Will Still Happen|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://variety.com/2010/digital/news/halo-the-care-and-feeding-of-a-franchise-1118023688/|Site=Variety|Page="Halo": the care and feeding of a franchise|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}} O' Connor also hinted at a future live action miniseries, which would later be revealed as ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''. A second webseries, produced by Ridley Scott titled ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'', was released in [[2014]].

===''Halo: Landfall'' and ''District 9''===
[[File:HaloMovie ODSTArmour District9Exo Props.jpg|thumb|250px|An image posted by Neill Blomkamp to Instagram, showcasing the ODST armour developed by WETA alongside the ''District 9'' exoskeleton prop. Note the similarities between the ''District 9'' exoskeleton and the Elite concepts, featured above.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://instagram.com/p/pKLDN8KhHV/|Site=Instagram|Page=@Neill Blomkamp|Quote=#halo #odst and unused #district9 exo|NoArchive=yes|D=06|M=06|Y=2014}}]]
{{Main|Halo: Landfall}}
Although the ''Halo'' film was cancelled, Jackson, Blomkamp and [[WETA Workshop]] had spent months on preproduction for the ''Halo'' film, and built numerous props including [[ODST armor]], [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifles]], [[BR55HB battle rifle|battle rifles]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|Marine armor]] - among others. As such, this effort was not wasted, and Blomkamp instead directed a series of shorts titled ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''. The ''Landfall'' project comprised of three short videos titled ''[[Halo: Arms Race|Arms Race]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat|Combat]]'' and ''[[Halo: Last One Standing|Last One Standing]]'', released over [[Xbox LIVE]] in parts and eventually compiled under the ''Landfall'' name. The shorts depict an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] fireteam during the [[Battle for Earth]] concurrent with the opening of ''[[Halo 3]]'', and employ many of the props developed by WETA for the film project.{{Ref/Reuse|VICE}} While filming ''Landfall'', Blomkamp suffered an injury in the Warthog that tore off part of his right ear, requiring reconstructive surgery.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/neill-blomkamp-ripped-his-ear-off-in-a-warthog-while-filming-halo/|Site=PC Gamer|Page=Neill Blomkamp ripped his ear off in a Warthog while filming Halo|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

Following the end of the ''Landfall'' project, Blomkamp and Jackson continued their partnership to create the film ''[[Wikipedia:District 9|District 9]]''. The film utilises many of the ideas and concepts generated for the ''Halo'' film and ''Halo: Chronicles'', including alien creatures heavily derived from the ''Halo'' film's concepts for Flood [[Pod infector|infection forms]] and [[Sangheili|Elites]], and the ideas of a [[human]] transforming into a new alien form of life. On April 10, [[2013]], Blomkamp mentioned that he was still interested in directing for ''Halo'', but only if he was given more creative freedom.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/|Site=Joystiq|Page=Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie|D=12|M=04|Y=2022}} In July 2017, Blomkamp affirmed this statement, adding that he is still open to doing a movie but Microsoft has not approached him. O'Connor subsequently stated that Microsoft would "be delighted to work with [Blomkamp] again one day.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-halo-movie-fell-apart-director-still-wants-a/1100-6451671/|Site=GameSpot|Page=After Halo Movie Fell Apart, Director Still Wants Another Shot|D=21|M=03|Y=2022}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Story bible - Grunt.jpg|Excerpt from the story and style companion booklet from the 2005 movie project.
File:WarthogB110707.jpg|A fully functional (presumably, the turret does not work), drivable Warthog made by WETA Workshop.
File:Update cougarhuting.jpg|Bungie employees "hunting cougars" outside the studio building with WETA-made replica weapons.
File:Battle of Sector Six 03.png|A scene from ''Halo: Combat''.
File:Halo 3 ODST.png|ODST helmets in ''Arms Race''.
File:H3 AR2 Brute Kill 3.jpg|An ODST kills a Brute in ''Combat''. 
File:LastOneStanding-1.jpg|Two Brutes attacking with [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|spikers]] in ''Last One Standing''.
File:FUD-Poster.jpg|A poster for ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]'', a non-theatrical ''Halo'' film.
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


==See also==
*[[:File:HaloMovie Script.pdf|Garland's Halo script]] - Halopedia backup

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[[Category:Cinematics]]
[[Category:Film]]