Halo: Cryptum, the first novel in Greg Bear's 'Forerunner Saga' released back in January, but a press release for the France edition included an interesting tidbit regarding the long-awaited Halo movie.

As we know, the Halo film was in pre-production years ago but by the end of 2006, it became dead due to legal concerns, nervousness about the costs and overly expensive deals for the producers involved. Universal and Twentieth Century Fox attempted to team-up for the project, while Peter Jackson was producing with Neill Blomkamp (District 9) set to direct. In recent years, rumors had Steven Spielberg involved, including the latest from yesterday.

Sirkan from Halo.Fr posted a scan from the Halo: Cryptum press release which mentioned that a Halo film was coming from Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks for 2012 but I can tell you that it's false.

"A film adaptation is set in 2012 . It will be conducted jointly by two heavyweights of American cinema: Steven Spielberg and studio DreamWorks."

Last year we found out that DreamWorks was hoping to get the Halo film rolling again, with the idea of basing it on the books, namely Halo: The Fall of Reach, rather than the games. DreamWorks has the support of Spielberg and his name has been rumored as being attached to the project but nothing official has happened with the film and it still does not have an official greenlight.

As we know, another obstacle to making the film a reality - and something we're starting to see across the board from video game publishers - is that Microsoft is extremely protective of their Halo IP, so much so that they must approve every single piece of merchandise and every tie-in to ensure it is canon and faithful to the franchise.

While Microsoft's policy may seem great for us fans who want something that truly feels like it belongs in the Halo universe, it does put restrictions on filmmakers and the studio. At this point, who cares, it's filmmakes and studios who've given us dozen of terrible adaptations in the last decade so perhaps these restrictions are necessary.

As for the Halo movie coming next year? That's not happening. At best, it could start production next year and release in 2013 (at the very earliest) and it's doubtful Spielberg would even direct - he's got too much else on his plate so expect him to exec produce.

With Halo 4 coming next fall, it does make sense to cross-market with the game and bring the franchise back to the forefront of pop culture and mainstream media, especially if it is the plan of 343 Industries - the developer taking over for Bungie - to have Halo 4 act as the first installment in an entirely new Halo trilogy.

Would you like to see the Halo films follow the games or the books?

-

Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.

Source: Halo.Fr