“Halo” Movie a No-Go

I liked the “Halo” game, so I was looking forward to the movie. Then there was news that Peter Jackson was getting involved, though not as director, just producer, and that got me a little more excited. Then there was word Alex Garland (”28 Days Later”) had been paid $1 million for the script, and I was excited even more. Then they hired a 27-year old novice director (i.e. he’s never directed a movie before, much less one with a $100 million-plus budget!) and my excitement dropped off tremendously. Now, according to Variety, the production budget has ballooned up to well past $200 million, resulting in the picture being shut down — permanently!

Says Variety:

Rumors of a budget that could approach $200 million raged Thursday, but Ken Kamins, who reps Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, vehemently denied that figure…

“The only budget the filmmakers every spoke about was $145 million less the 12.5% rebate that you get from shooting in New Zealand, which would put it at about $128 million,” Kamins said. “That was the only number that was ever discussed… 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.”

Oh well.

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