Messengers outfitted like the hero in Microsoft vidgame "Halo" hit the studios Monday with a screenplay based on the bestselling franchise reports Variety. The script by "28 Days Later" scribe Alex Garland is now complete and has met the approval of Microsoft execs and the game's creators at subsiduary Bungie Studios.
Microsoft and CAA are seeking an advance of $10 million against 15% of the gross and strict control of development of a film adaptation. Winning studio would have to follow a "bible" created by game developers to make sure any changes to the script don't alter the universe established in the first two "Halo" games that will continue in future sequels for the Xbox.
Microsoft was apparently looking for a very quick response from studios, and whichever studio picked it up would have to move quickly into production with a start of shooting date scheduled for January. New Line and DreamWorks have already passed on the project and Sony is believed to have not been included because of its PlayStation division's competition with Microsoft.
Because of its value, Microsoft has been particularly protective of "Halo," refusing to sign the kind of licensing deal typical to most film adaptations. Sources close to those who read the script Monday indicated that it was particularly dense and loyal to the game's world, which features a rich alien mythology, but relatively little in character development (not so official sources have already started slamming it in fact).
Thanks to 'Enriquez'.
