Microsoft says Steven Spielberg's live action Halo TV show project is alive and well

Master Chief in Halo 4.
Master Chief in Halo 4. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft announced a live action Halo TV show all the way back in 2013, with Steven Spielberg tipped to produce. I asked former 343i Studio Head Dan Ayoub last year about the project, who, at the time, said that Microsoft had nothing to announce. Ayoub did say that 343i had learned a lot from some of Halo's other entertainment projects, namely Nightfall and Forward Unto Dawn, and that Microsoft was looking forward to having more to talk about.

There has been a few rumors here and there that the project had either been canceled, or at least mired in development hell. Seemingly, it's still on the way.

In a statement provided to AR12Gaming, Microsoft confirmed that development is ongoing. Steven Spielberg remains at the production helm, in partnership with the Showtime network, who notably revived 90s classic TV show "Twin Peaks" earlier this year.

"Progress on the Halo Television Series continues," a Microsoft Spokesperson and representative of 343 Industries confirmed to AR12Gaming. "We want to ensure we're doing this the right way together with a team of creative partners (Steven Spielberg and Showtime) that can help us build the best Halo series that fans expect and deserve. We have no further details to share at this time."

It certainly seems as though Microsoft is intent on delivering something that will resonate with fans of the series, while side-stepping the difficulties seen by other video game adaptations for live action. We'll just have to wait and see whether Spielberg and Microsoft can follow through.

Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!