Master Chief Set To Combat PS3 Launch??? News

Variety is today reporting Microsoftâ??s crusade in finding a film studio to produce a movie adaptation of Bungie Studios Halo. The report indicates that the scripts were hand-delivered to a variety of studios by messengers dressed as Master Chief, confirming that Alex Garland penned the piece and was paid a reported $1 million for his efforts.

The article went onto reveal specific pricing details, suggesting that Microsoft are holding out for a minimum $10 million advance or 15% of the filmâ??s gross, based upon whichever results in the highest earnings. If that seems demanding, any potential film studio would have to relinquish total control to Bungie Studios, who have allegedly drawn up a â??bibleâ? for directors and producers to adhere to. Understandably Bungie are adamant that the film will not conflict with the Halo universe created in Halo, Halo 2 and which will â??continue in future sequelsâ? â?“ seemingly confirming that Halo will extend beyond the third chapterâ?¦

More importantly is the reported haste of Microsoft for a studio to pick it up, with rumours suggesting that a Summer 2006 release alongside Halo 3 could form part of Microsoftâ??s plan to scupper the Playstation3 launch.

Variety concludes however that the sheer reported demands of Microsoft have already put off a number of studios, including New Line Cinema and Dreamworks, while the Sony Corp division, Colombia Pictures, was allegedly not supplied with the script.

Weâ??ll have further information soon.