Universal and Fox leaving HALO

Posted by: MacReady

Wow, well who would have thought that. Acording to Variety Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox, who agreed to co-finance the movieadaptation "Halo", backed out of the once agreed co-financing. On Thursday rumors appeared that the studios are concerned the projected budget of US$ 135 Mio. could reach US$ 200 Mio. But Ken Kamins, who represents Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, denied.

"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. That was the only number that was ever discussed."

It seems the studios wanted to get the filmmakers and Microsoft to reduce their profit participation. Variety also reports that Universal and Fox mady the pay cut demand as a Oct. 15 deadline approached, the day Microsoft should have received promised US$5 million upfront payday. The software company also should receive 10% of gross for rights to the game and a script by Alex Garland.

Kamins also said that "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, respectfully declined."

But this news doesn't mean the end for the "Halo" movie. Ken Kamins said that Microsoft already is in talks with other distribution partners, the creative partners intact will take the movie into production and most of the pre-production work already is done at Weta Digital and Weta Workshop. So no need to worry, the Master Chief will fight the Covenant on the ancient ring-world "Halo".

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