A TV series based on the insanely popular Xbox game franchise Halo has been in the works off and on for many years now, and it took some big steps forward earlier in 2018. Unfortunately for Halo fans who have been dying to see the premise make its way to the small screen, the project has hit a setback that could mean a delay in when it could debut. Halo has lost its executive producer and director, Rupert Wyatt.
The Halo project received a series order from Showtime back in June, with the first season to be comprised of ten episodes with Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt on board as executive producer and director. His attachment to the project was reason enough for fans to get more excited than ever at the prospect of a series, so his departure from the project will likely come as a disappointment to many.
The good news is that Rupert Wyatt didn't decide to leave Halo because he believed it was a disappointing adaptation or was bound to be a terrible show. Wyatt released a statement that explains (via Variety) that changes to the production schedule forced him to drop out of his role as director. He referred to his time on Halo as a "creatively rich and rewarding experience," and he joins the fans who are "excited to see the finished series."
Rupert Wyatt didn't specify what project was forcing him to pull out of Halo, but he is currently working to get a movie ready for its release in March of 2019. Showtime president of programming Gary Levine echoed Wyatt's sentiments about Halo as a rich series, and he made it quite clear that there are no hard feelings regarding Wyatt's decision. Here's what he had to say:
Showtime's adaptation of 'Halo' is evolving beautifully with rich characters, compelling stories and powerful scripts. Obviously, the production demands of this series are enormous, and we have had to add time to the schedule in order to do it right. Sadly, this delay has created a conflict for Rupert, whom we warmly thank for all he has brought to the project.
We can always hope that Rupert Wyatt will be free to direct future episodes of Halo, assuming it continues beyond the first season! The rest of the production team that was announced over the summer seems to still be intact, including Mind Games creator Kyle Killen as showrunner and executive producer. The Halo series will explore a conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as "the Covenant" in the 26th century.
Production was originally slated to begin in 2019; we'll have to wait and see if that has changed. In the meantime, can I start crossing my fingers for a Legend of Zelda TV show again? For some viewing options in the not-too-distant future, check out our midseason TV premiere guide.
