Cinema Blend’s own Master Chief reported just a few days ago that the Halo script was finished and was being shopped around to the studios by some dorks dressed up as stormtrooper clones. You can read that story HERE. At the time, many wondered who would bite at the high demands from Microsoft. Well, Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox have decided they are ready to risk another video game movie fiasco. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal will handle the domestic release while 20th Century Fox covers the international markets. (I wonder if Universal gets the right to add Halo rides to their amusement parks?)

Early rumors had Microsoft demanding $10 million for the script against 15% of the gross. Most reports now say the studios wisely talked Microsoft down to $5 million. Cute costumes aside, this could be yet another colossal failure. I’ve only played Halo once in my life but I see many changes needed for this to work in theatres. For one, the “bad guys” would look horrible in the movie. Second, Master Chief is gonna drop that helmet he wears the entire game so we can see Paul Walker’s mug in it. (I hope I’m kidding about Paul Walker).

With a studio just picking it up, no director or cast has been procured yet obviously. Halo should be in theatres in 2007.