We talked earlier today about Gears of War getting a director, and as usual whenever we talk about video game movies, two things come up in the comments.
Video Game Movies always suck.
I just wish they would make Halo
Now for a while Halo was a forbidden topic around these parts as it tended to send John into a tirade that would rival Michael Richards (without the racial contant) but I actually think that Gears of War moving ahead with a movie might be good for Halo fans.
It’s pretty clear why the Halo project died. Both Universal and Fox Studios have pulled out of the Halo movie adaptation, claiming raising budget costs and lack of faith over the inexperience of first time director Neil Blomkamp.
Now mark my words, the brainpans behind Halo might have said its over, but I bet they are keeping a close eye on developments with Gears of War. If there is any hope of success for Halo, they want to be the ones to do it. Its over, but its not “over”.
The Budget – The drive behind any movie being made all depends on how much they figure they can make and how much it will cost. Jackson was in it for the “art” of making a film (yeah right) and unfortunately they people signing the cheques did some math and said “Sorry pal. No dice” So as Gears of War is going through its paces, you want to bet the studios are going to pay attention to how much money they are spending on this.
The Audience – In trying to predict how much money you could concievably make they have to hope they can get people in the seats. It’s no doubt that Halo is the strongest gaming franchise on the market with a rabid following of dedicated fans. They are out there. But will they go to a movie. Gears of War is hoping its fanbase shows up in droves, and if it does, you know the studios will be paying attention… “If Gears can do it.. Imagine Halo?? What are we waiting for?”
But people still want this movie made and that is just one ingredient in the vast Hollywood Machine. If it is going to be made then mark my words, there are eyes on Gears of War. The success of Gears of War could impact the greenlight of a Halo Movie more than you would think.
Gears of War is the closest thing to a Halo movie we are going to see in the near future. They are both based on first person shooter games that follow a cinematic style storyline. And the target demographic has a HUGE overlap.
My prediction: If Gears of War is even a moderate success, a Halo announcement won’t be far behind.
