It seems like the Halo movie has been dropped from its two principle production partners, Universal and Fox, according to reports hitting the interweb thanks to Variety Online . Here is the skinny.
Both of the studios that agreed to co-finance the screen adaptation of the popular Microsoft game have abruptly backed out of the picture. While rumors had the studios concerned over a budget that was rising above the original projected $135 million pricetag, the filmmakers said the double defection came after U[niversal] and Fox played hardball and unsuccessfully tried to get the filmmakers and Microsoft to reduce their profit participation.
The studios made the pay cut demand as a Oct. 15 deadline approached. On that day Microsoft was to have received the bulk of a promised $5 million upfront payday. Software giant also stood to receive 10% of gross for rights to the game and a script by Alex Garland.
It also doesn't help that some rumors pegged the new proposed budget at over $200 million and a first-time film director is at the helm. Microsoft still owns the rights to Halo and will option the film to other studios. Prepdroduction still continues at Weta Digital and Weta Workshops. |
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