Universal and Fox Pullout of the Master Chief
This news comes from Variety leaving the Halo film about as far along as it was when the deal was first announced. Microsoft is already talking to other ditributors and Peter Jackson is continuing pre-production on the film.
Apparently, the projected costs of the film had significantly risen from the original $145 million dollar figure (which would have been shared by both studios). ...but that has been denied as the reason for Universal and Fox’s pullout. Here is what Peter Jackson rep, Ken Kamins, had to say:
“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.”
I’m sure the fact that the first major payment due to Microsoft was to be paid this week didn’t help, at all. Oh well, I’m sure it’ll eventually get off the ground and I pray that the finished product will be fantastic.
Halo Pic Loses Its Studios [Variety via Dark Horizons]
Super Timsy
Posted to Video Games on 20 October 2006
Other stuff like this: Film, Halo, Microsoft, Movies, Peter Jackson
Name: Dave