Sgt. Johnson introduction

"Right before Halo was released to the world, Bungie threw a giant launch party to celebrate the culmination of many years work. To kick off the festivities, a special video of Sgt. Johnson was created to introduce the team. This is that video."

— Official Bungie.net description^[1]

The Sgt. Johnson introduction,^[1] also known as the Fanfest 2001 trailer,^[2] was a custom-made in-engine cinematic addressing the attendees of the Halo Launch Party on October 1, 2001. The cinematic introduced the character of Sergeant Johnson to fans for the first time, showing him deliver a welcome speech before killing a Grunt. The video was later released on Bungie's official website.^[1] It was also included in Halo: The Movies and The Ultimate Halo Companion DVD Set.

Transcript[edit]

The camera shows Sgt. Johnson in the hangar bay of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

Sgt. Johnson: Alright, all you greenhorns, listen up! My name is Sergeant Johnson. When you are not in my presence, you can call me anything your degenerate hearts desire, assuming your tiny brains can string together a couple of cuss words. But while I am here, you will address me as "Sir! Yes, sir!" Do I make myself clear? ... I said, do I make myself clear!? ... That's better. My superiors asked me to deliver the welcome oration for the Halo Launch Party. They also informed me that the Bungie fans I would be addressing are the hardest of the hardcore. Apparently, I was misinformed! Bungie spent four years putting this game together for you? I was expecting a room full of badasses. Some of you look like you'd have a hard time pulling on your own diapers, let alone beating back a full-scale alien assault on your own species! Since you're about to play Halo, I'm gonna give you a quick course in saving your own ass.

The camera pans over to a Grunt.

Grunt: Huh?

Sgt. Johnson: Get out here!

The Grunt walks up to Sgt. Johnson.

Sgt. Johnson: This is the enemy. Notice the beady eyes, the clammy skin, the repulsive paint. I know what you're thinking: "Oh, dude, it looks just like my mama." Do not be confused! These hateful little bastards may appear cheap and easy, but they are but the tip of a vulgar iceberg. F*** them or by God, they will f*** you!

Sgt. Johnson looks at the Grunt.

Sgt. Johnson: Thanks for coming up.
Grunt: Ha! No problem.

Sgt. Johnson shoots the Grunt with an M90 shotgun as it walks away.

Sgt. Johnson: Ha-ha! All right, then. I will now relinquish the stage to a Bungie representative. I expect you to listen intently to what the man has to say. When he is done, you will finally be able to play Halo. Good luck! You're gonna need it.

The screen fades to black.