With both sides giving different stories, the "Halo" movie project no longer has a studio backing as of today.
Universal and Fox are rumored to say that the budget was going beyond the original projected $135 million budget; possibly closing in on the $200 million tag.
Other speculation was concerning the inexperience of first-time director Neill Blomkamp as another reason for the termination of the involvement of the studios.
From the representative of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh - Ken Kamins, the word is that the $200 million figure wasn't part of the mix at all. The real issue was that Universal and Fox tried to do a last minute deal that would reduce the profits that were offered Microsoft (MSFT) and the filmmakers.
According to Variety, Kamin said:
"What happened was this: Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment. Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungee (the studio that designed the original game), respectfully declined."
It is said that Microsoft is already looking for new partners. With Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh at the helm; along with Microsoft partnering with them, I would be surprised to see the project just fall by the wayside.
Comment Preview