Fans of ‘Halo’ should be happy that at long last (seriously, they have been talking about this and trying to hammer out deals for around 5 years now), ‘Halo’ is getting that live-action adaptation, as Showtime has ordered a 10 episode first season, with Kyle Killen (‘Awake’) set to serve as executive producer, writer, and showrunner, and Rupert Wyatt (‘Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes‘) directing multiple episodes of the first season and also serving as executive producer. During the recent announcement, Showtime CEO David Nevins claimed:
“Halo is our most ambitious series ever, and we expect audiences who have been anticipating it for years to be thoroughly rewarded. 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.”
Despite the fact that Amblin Entertainment is still involved in the project, it is curious to note that Steven Spielberg’s name was not thrown out as a producer, though years ago it seemed like he would play a bigger role. And while exciting, there are still a number of obstacles the show needs to get through, though the toughest one, getting audience attention, will be easier for them as the brand already has huge recognition with fans of the game. But that might be part of the problem as well. Video game adaptations are notoriously tricky and arguably we have yet to see one, whether a TV show or a movie, that has mass appeal and critical praise. But this is Showtime, and they took their time getting this one ready, so who knows? Maybe ‘Halo’ will finally be able to crack the formula and the show will one day rival ‘Game Of Thrones,’ ‘Westworld,’ or even be direct competition with Amazon’s upcoming ‘Lord Of The Rings’ series, though I have little faith in that series myself.
What are your thoughts on ‘Halo’ finally coming to the small screen? Are you excited? Or worried that they might ruin the franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
