Halo fans have been incredibly patient in the wait for a live-action adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, and now it’s looking like that patience has finally payed off. According to Variety, Xbox Entertainment Studios is teaming up with Showtime to develop a live-action series based on the hugely popular FPS, which is a high-priority over at Microsoft.
Now, this is not to be confused with the recently-announced Ridley Scott Halo digital feature. This is a separate project, being spearheaded by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. Variety’s report states that Microsoft is close to a deal with a pair of showrunners, who will “steer the series adaptation of the expansive bible developed by screenwriter Stuart Beattie,” though at this point in time, it’s not being envisioned as a straight-to-series pickup.
The Halo series is part of Microsoft’s plan to deliver high-quality entertainment directly to the Xbox One, in an effort to enhance the platform not only as a gaming console, but as an entertainment service. This particular deal has taken a long time to work out, mostly because Microsoft is trying to find a way to chart new territory and design the show so that it can air on Showtime as well as on the Xbox One.
Details are still being sorted out, but currently it looks like episodes will air on Showtime first, then become available on the Xbox One, where it will have “enhanced interactivity;” likely as a way to give those subscribers an added incentive to tune in.
That’s all we know for now, but with the deal currently in “deep negotiations,” we should expect to hear more once everyone signs on the dotted line. Tell us, are you excited about a Halo series headed to Showtime? Or were you still holding out hope for a feature length film? Let us know in the comments below!