Universal and Fox pull out of HALO Movie

[Fran]

Both Universal and Fox Studios have pulled out of the Halo movie adaptation, citing rising movie costs and concern over the inexperience of first time director Neil Blomkamp. As the budget was rumored to be edging closer to $200 million, and Microsoft getting a lion's share of the profits, the studio execs decided it was time to pull the plug.

It's hard to argue with the logic on this one, based on the director alone. While Peter Jackson is executive producing, Neil Blomkamp doesn't have one feature film to his name, having only been a 3D animator on TV shows like Smallville and Stargate, and directed a Halo-ish short film entitled Alive in Joburg. If Jackson himself took the reins, it would probably be a no brainer, but you can easily understand Universal and Fox not wanting to roll a pair of $200 million dollar dice on someone their first time out of the gate.

Microsoft hasn't made things much easier, demanding an upfront fee of five million for the rights and 10% of the profits -- especially when movies based on video games have never been huge performers at the box office. This isn't to say the movie still couldn't get made. Jackson is still attached and pre-production continues on the film, although without a studio home it now faces a serious uphill battle.

According to Jackson's agent at International Creative Management, Ken Kamins, "What happened was this: 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 their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungee (the studio that designed the original game), respectfully declined."

Come on Variety, you can't even spell Bungie right?

What do you think? Should Master Chief drive his warthog out of Hollywood, or come back with both barrels blasting?

No doubt another studio will pick this up.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/game-over-for-halo-movie/

 

[WeeZiTe]

I was looking forward to this.

 

[boywonder13]

and so the development hell continues......

 

[WhatsHisFace]

Just a bump in the road. Maybe they'll team up with Legendary and Warner Bros.

 

[Horrorfan]

That was quite greedy by microsoft to ask for five mill and 10 percent profits, since it probably makes more than both Universal and Fox combined....so I can understand why they pulled out. I think they may have to go for a fairer, and cheaper, deal if they really, really want this movie to happen.

And I also think Del Toro should be the director, but only after Hellboy vs Universal Monsters and At the Mountains of Madness.

 

[WhatsHisFace]

I agree. Microsoft has a LOT more money than they can even use, they could have payed for the entire film without putting anything close to a dent in their bank.

They didn't need the 10% or the 5 million.

But still, Fox and Universal shouldn't have tried cutting everyone's pay either.

 

[Horrorfan]

Yeah they should have said it in the beginning, not when the film is prepping for production.

I don't think many other studios will take this, since if two of the biggest studios around find it financially risky, I don't see why other smaller studios would take the deal.

MS should put together a new package and try again with Universal and Fox. They have to realise that it's kinda an excessive fee they are asking for. Maybe not for the rights, but ten percent of the final gross in addition to that is pretty extortionate.

 

[terry78]

Lionsgate. They used to be indie, now they're moving up into their own. But only if most of the backing was done by Wingnut and Microsoft.

 

[Horrorfan]

Lionsgate. They used to be indie, now they're moving up into their own. But only if most of the backing was done by Wingnut and Microsoft.

Lionsgate wouldn't have the financial backing. They are barely above indy now, nevermind the kind of budget it would take for a $200 million price for one movie. If Universal AND Fox couldn't do it, and Lionsgate aren't even in the same league...I just don't see it happening to be honest.

 

[Boom]

Haha. And so Halo falls back into production hell.

 

[Mr. Smash'n Bash]

Just because a director doesn't have much experience doesn't mean he's not good. Universal and Fox are ******ed, you don't need big name directors for something to turn out nice.

 

[boywonder13]

the fact that it's Halo

makes it a sure hit

 

[Boom]

Microsoft's demands are ridiculous. I honestly hope to see them cave in in order to get another studio to back this film.

 

[WhatsHisFace]

Microsoft should just fund the damn film themselves.

 

[terry78]

Microsoft Studios. Hell, they already fund that damn pinata cartoon based on their game, they may as well do this too.

 

[WhatsHisFace]

I agree. Microsoft has the money to fund Halo and about 30 other Halo movies RIGHT NOW.

They could start their own production company easily, if they want another entertainment branch.

 

[Fran]

Yeah, I agree. MS can do it, definitely.

 

[WhatsHisFace]

After that they can get to work what I'd really like to see as a movie:

Perfect Dark (not the ****ty one, the N64 one)

Then maybe Crimson Skies...

Then maybe "Microsoft Word: The Movie".

 

[Zenien]

They should pitch it to Sony Pictures.

 

[ProjectPat2280]

I dont think there needs to be a Halo movie at all. I just dont see it working, but who knows, it could be great.

 

[WhatsHisFace]

They should pitch it to Sony Pictures.

Wahahaha. That would be the wierdest thing ever.t:

 

[Fran]

Columbia would give them a $1 million budget.

 

[terry78]

Most studios should be jumping at the chance, but a video game movie has never had a huge budget. And Uwe Boll's masterpieces haven't helped matters.

 

[블라스]

Don't say anything mean about Uwee Boll or he'll kick your ass in the ring

 

[WhatsHisFace]

My money's on Warner Bros for some reason.