It is finally happening. After years of waiting, a television series based on the mega-popular Xbox video game franchise, Halo, is about to take a major step from virtual to live-action reality. Showtime is moving forward with the project, years in the making. And in case you are skeptical, there is definitive momentum building on the television series, in the form of a showrunner, director, and episode count. Here is what you need to know.
The first season of the Halo TV series will be comprised of ten episodes. On board to executive produce, write, and serve as showrunner on the series is Mind Games' creator Kyle Killen. Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt will direct numerous episodes of the show, along with serving as an executive producer on the series. The news was announced by Showtime boss David Nevins, who referred to Halo as the network's "most ambitious series ever," per EW.
It certainly sounds like it is. Sci-fi series require nothing less. The video games' legion of fans can arguably breathe a sigh of relief, as the TV series appears to really be getting off the ground now. The news comes five years after a Halo television show had initially been announced. Production on the show is currently set to begin early next year in 2019. Casting is the next bit of news fans will undoubtedly await with tremendous excitement, as announcing the ensemble will be a defining sign of its coming reality.
Movies based on video games have traditionally met with less than outstanding results. In truth, a television series is arguably a better medium to explore the adaptation process of popular games further. There is more room for patience and development. Instead of gambling a franchise on a single two-hour movie, the Halo television series will have ten episodes to find its groove. If Halo proves successful, it seems likely you could see other video game adaptations follow suit.
For those wondering about the mind behind running the series, here is some pertinent information. The series' showrunner Kyle Killen has experience creating critically beloved series. He was the showrunner and creator of the critically acclaimed, short-lived Fox series Lone Star, as well as the Jason Isaacs starring Awake. His latest television creation before Halo was the Christian Slater/Steve Zahn series Mind Games. Given his experience with drama and fantasy, Killen seems primed for a breakthrough with Halo.
A premiere date for the Halo television show has not been shared by Showtime yet. Given production's start date, anything before 2020 seems ambitious. For new and returning television shows you can anticipate watching while you await a premiere date for Halo, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's summer premieres.
