On Saturday I told you that film hit a major roadblock, after both Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox backed out of a deal to co-finance the flick. Until last week, Halo The Movie was to be directed by first-time helmer Neill Blomkamp.
Stax of IGN-Filmforce reports that folks behind the popular game offer their 2 cents about what happened:
...Industry reports claimed that the studios wanted a better deal for themselves and were concerned about the huge budget. Now the companies behind the video game sensation — Bungie and Microsoft — have chimed in on the film's collapse and offered hope for its future.
"We are disappointed that Universal and Fox wanted to significantly renegotiate the financial points of the deal," Microsoft said in a press release. "But the Halo franchise is hugely popular and our goal remains the same — to find a partner that shares our passion and will creatively collaborate with us to best represent the story and spirit of the Halo franchise."
The statement continued, "[exec producers] Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and the rest of the creative team are dedicated to ensuring the Halo movie becomes a reality. We are already in discussions with potential partners who recognize the value of the Halo brand and its appeal to consumers worldwide."
Bungie's Frank O'Conner said in a posting at Bungie.net, "The reality here at Bungie towers is a feeling of optimism, satisfaction and happiness for reasons we can't go into. Frankly we're interested in making the best movie, and it's possible that a partner who's more concerned with numbers, might not be the best partner for what's more vitally a creative process. Suffice it to say that Peter, Neill, Fran and Microsoft are as excited and dedicated as ever and WETA continues the pre-production process. Actually, when you do finally get to see the stuff WETA has already made, you will probably pee a little".
Bring on the Depends undergarments! Seriously, I think some studio will pick this up at some point...The genie is already out of the bottle for this thing not to happen. Momentum is there and so is the audience...
When it comes to Indiana Jones 4, there's been so much on/not on of late--I'm feeling a bit whipped by it all.
[Series star] Harrison Ford, speaking to the press at the Rome Film Festival - last week, said that he feels "fit to continue" to play Indiana Jones, despite growing older, the Associated Press reported. Ford, 64, said that he was delighted to team up again with director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas for the film.
"We did three films that stay within the same block of time," Ford told reporters. "We need to move on for artistic reasons and obvious physical reasons. I feel fit to continue and bring the same physical action."
Indiana Jones IV has been in development for more than a decade. Lucas has said he and Spielberg are working on a script, though no details have been disclosed.
Ford added that Sean Connery, who played Indy's father, Henry Jones, in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, might also appear in the planned fourth feature. "He's part of the emotional fabric of these films," Ford said. "I think there may be an opportunity, I believe that Sean is still willing, and I'd be delighted if he joined us." For his part, Connery has said previously that he's received no offer about the movie.
Earlier this month Lucas did not sound as optimistic that Indy 4 would happen at all...Back in August, Ford himself seemed less than enthusiastic...
Come on guys, it's time to either ante up or fold and move on...I wish someone would just decide Indy's fate one way or the other.
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