Microsoft confirms the Halo 5 movie news is legitimate, and acclaimed director Ridley Scott is taking charge of production.
The news should be a welcome treat for fans of Scott's work, particularly the cult-following for his Cyberpunk flick "Blade Runner." The film could be one of Scott's biggest adaptations, following his polarizing Alien prequel "Prometheus."
The movie is reportedly being film on location in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, and is scheduled for release late 2014. Scott won't be wearing the director's helm, though, entrusting it to Battlestar Galactica's Sergio Mimica-Gezzon.
Scott is the project's executive producer. The confirmation of his involvement reverses Microsoft's initial denial of a Scott-free Halo movie (pun intended).
The Halo 5 movie news is in anticipation of the next installment in the Halo franchise, set to be released on the next-generation consoles. Leaked photos of the new game's characters and backdrops tease fans clamoring for a Halo 4 follow-up.
The Halo series garnered billions of dollars in revenue, enough to merit its transition to the big screen. A company spokesperson confirmed filming is underway.
"343 Industries, Xbox Entertainment Studios and Scott Free Productions are currently working on a Halo digital feature project to be released later this year." Scott-free TV President David Zucker will collaborate.
The Halo 5 movie news pegs Northern Ireland Screen in project funding, with a massive production planned. Details are relatively kept under wraps, though it is reported Paul Scheuring of TV's "Prison Break" penned the script; Mike Colter of "The Good Wife" allegedly takes on the starring role.
Update announcements for the film, the cast, release date, and production are expected in the following months. The Halo 5 movie news is separate from the television series being developed for the Xbox One, piloted by Steven Spielberg (belfasttelegraph.co.uk).
Mimica-Gezzan has collaborated with both Scott and Spielberg, the latter pooling his talent as assistant director in "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan."
