Just breaking right now in Amsterdam is the news that Lord of the Rings-famed Peter Jackson has added his name to the crew of Bungie’s Halo movie spin-off.
As to whether Jackson will do anything as lead producer other than accept a pile of cash for appearing at a few press conferences remains unclear, though this news does lend considerable weight to Microsoft’s emerging celluloid heavyweight.
Expect updates as they break.
UPDATE:
The movie is planned to hit cinemas in 2007. Now for some corporate quotes:
“As a gaming fan, I’m excited to bring HALO's premise, action and settings to the screen with all the specificity and reality today’s technology can provide,” said Jackson. “Fran and I are intrigued by the unique challenges this project offers, and we’re delighted to be working again with our friends at Universal, and with our new ones at Fox and Microsoft. I’m a huge fan of the game and look forward to helping it come alive on the cinema screen.”
Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos, Co-Chairmen of Fox Filmed Entertainment remarked, “HALO, Peter Jackson & Fran Walsh, Fox, Universal and Microsoft. That is one hell of a starting five, and we can't wait to play.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased, or proud, to continue our relationship with Peter and Fran on this film,” said Stacey Snider, Chairman of Universal Pictures. “There are no filmmakers who better understand the delicate balance between technology and drama, and how the best use of today’s astonishing digital tools is in the service of not only spectacle but also a solid story. We are confident that the HALO feature film can be most fully realized under the creative direction of Peter, Fran and Weta.”
“Peter Jackson is one of Hollywood ’s most exciting innovators, and our partnership with him will greatly broaden the appeal of the HALO franchise,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft’s Chairman and Chief Software Architect. “We’re confident he’ll create an epic that not only thrills existing HALO fans, but also introduces millions of moviegoers around the world to this amazing saga.”