Random Social Chit-Chat v. Illuminati Confirmed

[Arnold]

A-team might be back.

Actor Liam Neeson is in talks to star in the big-screen version of classic TV show The A-Team, according to reports.

The 57-year-old is in negotiations to star as John "Hannibal" Smith, the role made famous by the late George Peppard, industry newspaper Variety said.

It also reported that The Hangover star Bradley Cooper was also involved in talks to star in the film as womanising Templeton "Faceman" Peck.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8090712.stm

 

[L2R]

^nice one! :D


lollerblades at the below

The gossip story of the day so far is that Paramount's upcoming "G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra" is so bad that the director may have been fired.

It all began when a posting on Don Murphy's message board, now removed, claimed that a test screening of the upcoming action film scored the worst marks in the studio's history. As a result Paramount exec Brad Weston had the film's director Stephen Sommers ("The Mummy," "Van Helsing") fired and locked out of the editing room.

Stuart Baird, a renowned "fixer" editor was brought it to try to see if it could be made releasable, while producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura was told "his services were no longer needed on the film either". When word of the firing started to get around, Sommers "was summoned back to the editing room but only to save appearances, Baird is still editing the movie with studio input."

Latino Review then followed that post up with a few checks of their own. While columnists have been quick to slam the film, it apparently is tracking quite well, and so the site got in contact with di Bonaventura himself to ask if the report had any truth?

"It's completely untrue he was never asked to leave or been fired or any of that. That’s ridiculous. The movie tested very well. Everybody was happy, the studio was happy, the filmmakers were happy, the audience was happy with the movie. We had three test screenings, three different times and tested it and each time it just got better and better. We started off in a good place and we ended up in even in a better place, which is what you hope on a film from testing it."

So what happened in the editing room? "Nothing that doesn’t happen on every other movie, which is that you constantly work and work and work and you make it better and better. We had a delay on visual effects so we waited a long time to finish the movie but that’s the only thing. I don’t really know why that would be interpreting it negatively but I guess it was".

Still, many remain dubious. There's been blood in the water on this film for a while and many online critics seem to have already made their minds up on the film. Sommers has generally provoked dislike amongst critics, and the word is with 'Joe' he essentially got total creative freedom to do what he wanted. Has that resulted in a workable film? We'll find out in two months.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14386/-gi-joe-blows-swallows-sommers-career-

 

[L2R]

sweet

It sounds like pure sh*t stirring, or potentially a publicity trick, either way The Drudge Report is saying that an upcoming expose in The New York Times this weekend says that gay groups are reacting with "deeply mixed" emotions to Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming comedy "Bruno".

"Some people in our community may like this movie, but many are not going to be OK with it. Sacha Baron Cohen's well-meaning attempt at satire is problematic in many places and outright offensive in others" says Rashad Robinson, senior director for the GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

Have to personally disagree there, and say that I've yet to talk to a single person gay or straight who isn't keenly looking forward to this. The film is obviously mocking those people with homophobic attitudes, it should be embraced rather than slammed simply because a few idiots mistake it for documentary rather than satire.

The report also says that Sir Elton John, who makes a cameo, apparently blushed and balked when Cohen asked if he could play "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" for the already infamous cage fighting scene in Arkansas where Bruno and his opponent make out in front of a drunken redneck mob.

Cohen's favorite scene involves the comic strutting around ultra-orthodox streets of Jerusalem in short-shorts and Hasidic black hat.

Meanwhile model Alessandra Ambrosio has posed with Cohen in character for the July issue of Marie Claire UK. Click the photo below for further shots:

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14387/bruno-sexes-up-marie-clare



and yawn

Reports a few days ago indicated that the film version of "The Lone Ranger" may push back development on a fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean".

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer talked with Coming Soon soon after and said that, for the studio anyway, 'Pirates' very much remains the priority.

"It's a great franchise for them and for us, too. We love the character and Johnny was really excited about coming back to Captain Jack. He certainly is interested in Tonto, but Disney's priority is to get 'Pirates' made first. You never know what's going to happen, but they would like it" says Bruckheimer.

The producer also confirmed that scribes Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot are currently penning the script which sounds more comedic than the last two entires and is a "whole new way of going."

What about Gore Verbinski potentially returning to the director's chair? "He created the franchise so we'd love to have him back, but it's kind of up to him."

As for the status of "The Lone Ranger"? "We don't have a director yet" says Bruckheimer, shooting down reports that Mike Newell was in talks.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14381/bruckheimer-talks-pirates-4-ranger-

 

[Pillthrill]

There are a few shows that I have been surprised I liked.
Jesse James is a Deadman on Spike. That man REALLY is trying to kill himself and might have if he hadn't been so safe. The legally running from the Cali. cops and winning the bet, double or nothing for making it 20 min was good.

the Locator on A&E, where they find long lost family members. I thought it would be lame but it was so touching that I cry every time. The one where the guy had his best friend die on their last day in Iraq and was having a hard time dealing with it. It made him decide to try to find his dad. they found him and told his dad. They always surprise the person looking, leading them there. Its so touching. The dad's family accepted the guy like he was always part of the family, even his half brothers and sisters, becoming quite close to him. His dad and his talked about what happened and his dad said how much he wanted to be there for his son during this very difficult time for him. It was so touching.

 

[L2R]

Talking with BBC News, actor Shia LaBeouf says another "Indiana Jones" film is moving forward.

"Steven [Spielberg] just said that he cracked the story on it before I left and I think they're gearing that up," said the "Transformers" actor.

As for the "Wall Street" sequel, it looks as if the title has reverted to the old one of "Money Never Sleeps".

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14425/next-indiana-jones-gearing-up-

Out doing film promotions, prolific producer Frank Marshall talked with Coming Soon about the future of various projects and franchises he's involved in. Marshall is presently at work on M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender":

Bourne 4
"We'd like to shoot next year. It's trying to get everybody's schedules in the right place and getting the script right. We've done pretty well with these scripts that are pretty loosely put together, but I'd like the script to be really solid this time before we go forward. We're spending a lot of time on this story" says Marshall.

Lance Armstrong Biopic
Despite the various casting rumors, Marshall says an upcoming unknown actor is looking likely to take the role of the famed cyclist as the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon are too old - "The book really only takes Lance up to the first tour, so he's only 21."

The Neverending Story
It sounds like the remake will be more faithful to the original book - "We love the book and we've always thought there was an opportunity (because) there were a lot of elements in the book that weren't in the movie. It's another one where we're still working on the rights and it's a huge thing to get it. Once we get it, we'll bring on a writer, but that's kind of off in the distance. But it's a great story."

The Special Relationship
"Frost/Nixon" and "The Queen" scribe Peter Morgan's directorial debut deals with the relationship between British Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and former U.S. President Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid). Marshal says he begins work on the project in Europe this July.

Jurassic Park IV
It's still quite a long way away - "We just have to see if they can come up with a story. We don't have a story."

Marshall also is looking into an adaption of the New Yorker article "The Last of the Metrozoids" about art historian Kirk Vanedoe and his decision to coach a football team before he died of cancer shortly afterwards, and a film adaptation of Warren St. John's book "Outcasts United" about immigrants on a soccer team in Georgia.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14428/marshall-talks-bourne-4-neverending-more

Oscar winner Sean Penn has dropped out of two upcoming projects and won't work for a year due to personal reasons says The Hollywood Reporter.

As a result, he will not be a part of MGM's "The Three Stooges" and Universal/Imagine's "Cartel". Asger Leth directs the later which is already moving ahead and will recast Penn's role.

The 'Stooges' movie on the other hand is a trickier prospect. Peter and Bobby Farrelly have spent years trying to get the project going and Penn's casting alongside Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro was seen as a major coup.

With filming scheduled to begin in August, the pair have to soon decide whether to wait for Penn (and risk losing the other two stars) or find someone else to replace him. Shooting is still slated to begin in August.

Penn completed work on Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" and Doug Liman's "Fair Game" before this announcement.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14431/sean-penn-drops-out-off-three-stooges-

20th Century Fox is moving forward with yet another "Donnie Darko" sequel, though this time Richard Kelly might be back reports Bloody-Disgusting.

Kelly penned and directed the 2001 cult classic starring Jake Gyllenhaal but was notably not involved in the low-budget direct-to-DVD sequel "S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale". That film, starring only one of the minor characters from the original, was released last month.

The site suggests Kelly might actually be involved on some level but details are early so there's no word as yet on what the story will be.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14433/yet-another-donnie-darko-sequel-

Former New Line executives Bob Shaye and longtime partner Michael Lynne have setup a slate of nine films for their new venture Unique Features re[prts Variety. The list includes:

"7th Son"
Justin Britt-Gibson is adapting a trio of graphic novels by J.C. Hutchins, the story follows seven strangers, assembled after the assassination of the U.S. president, who each realize they are the same man with the same memories.

"Alt-Delete"
A sci-fi comedy scripted by Tim Kelleher and Danny Zuker in which two guys working for a vidgame publishing company come to realize they are avatars in a larger game.

Bart Scott Biopic
A sports feature based on the formative years of Bart Scott, the Baltimore Ravens linebacker who went from a rough upbringing in New York to just signing with the New York Jets at $48 million for six years.

"The Birth Mother"
A Jack Olsen-scripted thriller about a couple whose marriage is threatened when their surrogate falls in love with the husband and becomes obsessed with keeping the baby.

"City of Angels"
An adaptation of the musical, Larry Gelbart will turn his original book into a script and composer Marc Shaiman is attached to serve as music director. Barry Levinson ("Wag the Dog") will serve in some capacity.

"Even"
Based on Andrew Grant novel about an undercover Royal Navy intelligence operative who goes on the run after being framed for murder.

"High in the Clouds"
An animated feature based on the children's book by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh. Caroline Thompson adapted the script about a squirrel's quest to find an animal sanctuary while Rob Minkoff will direct.

"The Mortal Instruments"
Based on Cassandra Clare's bestselling young-adult fantasy trilogy about a young girl who inherited an ability to see and interact with a clan of supernatural spirits.

"Thieves of Baghdad"
Cole Haddon's script is a tenth century family adventure described as a new take on the classic "One Thousand and One Nights" folk tales.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14434/shaye-lynne-plan-nine-films

 

[L2R]

"Eragon" star Edward Speleers has joined the cast of "Cowboys for Christ", the follow-up to the original 70's cult classic "The Wicker Man", according to the actor's official blog.

Speleers and Morgan James star as two Texans who plan to spread Christianity in Tressock, Scotland but are unaware that they're in grave danger from the Celtic pagan community in the village.

Original 'Wicker' star Christopher Lee is also onboard. Principal photography is scheduled to start in July in Scotland under the helm of Robin Hardy.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14458/ed-speelers-joins-wicker-follow-up

 

[mariacallas]

 

[L2R]

Warner Bros. Pictures has landed many of the assets of the now defunct Midway Games via a bankruptcy court fire sale reports Variety.

For a cool $33 million, the studio now own the rights to various popular video game franchises such as "Mortal Kombat," "Spy Hunter," "Space Invaders," "Pac-Man," "Rampage" and "Joust." The Chicago-based developer was amongst the first firms to manufacture video games over three decades ago and declared bankruptcy earlier this year.

Warners has not revealed what plans they have in store for potential film development of the properties, though they did not purchase the company's two development studios which would indicate they've little interest in continuing on the company's game franchises.

A film version of "Spy Hunter" and a long in development relaunch of the "Mortal Kombat" film franchise have both been hampered in recent years in their attempts to get made.

meh
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14553/warners-buys-midway-games-rights

Chuck Russell ("The Mask," "The Scorpion King") is in talks to direct a feature film version of classic 80's action/comedy cop-themed series "T.J. Hooker" reports Variety.

The Aaron Spelling-produced series starred William Shatner starred as a no-nonsense patrol sergeant. Adrian Zmed, Heather Locklear, Richard Herd and James Darren co-starred.

Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson ("Wild Wild West") will pen the script which will focus on the relationship between the title character and his father. David Foster, Ryan Heppe and series creator Rick Husky will produce.

ugh
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14550/-t-j-hooker-promoted-to-the-big-screen

Have you been holding off on buying a Blu-ray player because you think some high-def streaming/download service will make the format obsolete soon? Looks like you're in for a longer wait than you may have expected.

Studio Briefing reports that according to a study by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, it looks to be at least five years or more before high-definition films comparable to Blu-ray quality can be streamed to home theaters.

The reason? Three simple words - lack of infrastructure. More specifically a lack of high speed online access. The study says that though many homes are connected to video services offering high-def titles, most consumers' broadband connections are too slow to stream HD video.

Blu-ray discs output video at an average rate of 25-35Mbps. Streaming HD video is compressed even further so it requires a connection of 18-20Mbps to operate at full quality.

Unfortunately the average broadband subscriber's connection presently sits somewhere around 2.5Mbps.

this message was brought to you by sony
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14547/years-til-downloads-match-blu-ray-quality

Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Brian Blessed are set, but who else is starring in the upcoming film adaptation of the Marvel Comics hero "Thor"?

Not Clifton Collins Jr. it would seem. The "Capote" and "Star Trek" actor, who revealed that he auditioned for a role in the film, told The Dead Bolt this week that he's no longer a part of the project.

"That was a long time ago. I wasn't really getting into it, I was just preparing stuff. It's a fantastic director, a great piece, but I have absolutely nothing to do with it."

Meanwhile Jessica Biel is now being rumored to be playing a female character and love interest to the titular hero in the project according to Nuke the Fridge.

The site's source also says the role is likely to be that of Amora The Enchantress.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14545/collins-jr-out-jessica-biel-in-thor-

Various scribes are trying out for the upcoming "Star Wars" live-action series set to head into production towards year's end in Sydney, Australia reports Sci-Fi TV

Scribes from two of the more acclaimed and award-winning local dramas in recent years - FOX8's ""Love My Way" (cast pictured) and TEN's "The Secret Life of Us" - have been approached by 'Wars' producer Rick McCallum to pen episodes of the show which takes place in the era between the prequels and the original trilogy.

The choices are interesting in that both shows are very much contemporary relationship dramas dealing with people in their 20's & 30's and generally female-targeted, unlike many sci-fi shows which hire writers who've often worked in the genre before.

Yet it's not unheard of, especially in the local Oz TV industry. The upcoming Australian-produced vampire action movie "Daybreakers" for example has filled three of its key seven roles with 'Secret Life' cast members Michael Dorman, Vince Colosimo and Claudia Karvan who played the sister of Natalie Portman's character in the second 'Wars' prequel (though her scenes ended up on the cutting room floor).

As previously stated, the series will deal with lesser or new characters in the 'Star Wars' universe none of the major characters showing up with the odd exception in potential cameos and 'Special Guest Star' type roles. McCallum himself revealed last year that the Boba Fett character will play a key part however in the show.

what an easy job, i should be hired
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14544/aussie-scribes-try-out-for-star-wars-series

 

[wanderlust]

in the same vein as this:

Warner Bros. Pictures has landed many of the assets of the now defunct Midway Games via a bankruptcy court fire sale reports Variety.

A film version of "Spy Hunter" and a long in development relaunch of the "Mortal Kombat" film franchise have both been hampered in recent years in their attempts to get made.

we also have this:

Universal To Make Asteroids Movie
Posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 by Peter Sciretta


When movie studios are developing big budget big screen movies based on Stretch Armstrong and Candyland, I knew it was only a matter of time before Hollywood started to mine some of the classic video games of the children of the 70’s/80’s. Universal has won a four-studio bidding war to win the film rights to the classic Atari video game Asteroids. Newcomer Matthew Lopez, who came out of Disney’s writing program and did work on Bedtime Stories, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Race to Witch Mountain, has been hired to write the screen adaptation.

For those of you who don’t remember, the game involved the player controlling a triangular space ship in an asteroid field, shooting and destroying rock and the occasional alien spaceship to avoid collision. Originally released in 1979 as an upright arcade machine, and later released on the Atari video game systems, the game spawned three sequels - Asteroids Deluxe, Space Duel and Blasteroids. So basically, Universal has won a potential big budget space film franchise. I’m only half kidding.

The good news is that the game isn’t tied to any extensive mythology, which will allow the studio to build the entire story basically from scratch. I’m sure the only catch is that the movie has to feature a spaceship destroying on asteroid. Basically, like with Battleship, Universal is buying a brand name. They’re spending millions (my guesstimate - no figures have been released) so that when the ad plays on tv and the poster is attached to the bus shelter, a few extra people will take notice.

That said, I can totally imagine Michael Bay making a film based on Asteroids. Hell, Armageddon could have been titled Asteroids. They have a lot of room to play with. I’m not impressed by the films listed on screenwriter’s previous credits, but you can’t really judge based on patch up work and rewrites. Transformers and G.I. Joe producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is attached.

 

[L2R]

*looks forward to pacman: the motion picture (gritty origin tail like batman begins)*

 

[L2R]

Following on from a story first appearing in The Sunday Mail last year, Comics2Film reports that a "Blade" prequel trilogy is in the works.

Stephen Dorff and director Stephen Norrington worked together on the first "Blade" back in 1998, and last year Dorff said that a prequel to the "Blade" films was planned. "Deacon's story. It's a new trilogy the director has created. It will [be] cool" said Dorff, referring to his character Deacon Frost who was the first film's primary villain.

This week, Norrington confirmed the news but added that the film is "not exactly how the article describes but close." The original concept has since "evolved into a very interesting story...the linkage to 'Blade' is still big in the equation".

Though "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" made it mainstream, the first "Blade" was the first of the new wave of comic book film adaptations and took in a strong $131 million worldwide along with good reviews. After a well-received sequel, the series petered out with the poorly received flop "Blade: Trinity" and a direct-to-cable series that barely rated.

Norrington meanwhile followed up "Blade" with the highly troubled "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in 2003, an experience that soured him on filmmaking altogether. After years away, he's getting back behind the camera though for the reinvention of "The Crow" franchise currently in the works, this "Blade" follow-up is expected to get underway once that's complete.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14563/-blade-prequel-trilogy-in-the-works

H20 Motion Pictures is proceeding with a low-budget 3D remake of 1987 horror cult classic "The Gate" after financing finally got locked into place reports Bloody Disgusting.

The original, which starred Stephen Dorff, followed three young children who accidentally release a horde of nasty, pint-sized demons from a hole in a suburban backyard.

"Bill and Ted" actor turned director Alex Winter will helm the project which will shoot at MMC Studios in Cologne later this Summer. MMC & H20 previously collaborated on Stephen Frears' "Cheri" currently in theaters.

Pixomondo ("2012," "Ninja Assassin") will handle the film's effects.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14560/-the-gate-remake-gets-underway

Scribe Jeremy Garelick ("Murray at Large," "The Hangover") is set to rewrite and direct a comedy feature film based on syndicated mega-series "Baywatch" for Paramount Pictures says Variety.

Dreamworks planned an action-heavy feature film version of the series back in 2005 using a script by Jay Scherick and David Ronn. Garelick, whose uncredited rewrite work on "The Hangover" is said to be responsible for many of the film's key laughs, saw the chance to turn the project into a comedy in the vein of 80's classics like "Stripes" and "Police Academy".

The script now focuses on two unlikely lifeguard candidates trying to catch on alongside the buff bodies that will be as abundant in the film as they were in the TV series. The project will be Garelick's directorial debut.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14559/-baywatch-becomes-stripes-like-comedy

With George Clooney having moved his production company over to Sony Pictures, word now comes via The Daily Beast that the actor is trying to boost his box-office cred after recent flops such as "The Good German" and "Leatherheads".

To that affect, Kim Masters says he's expressed interest in playing Jack Ryan when and if Paramount attempts to revive the series based on Tom Clancy's novels.

The site also says "Clooney seems to recognize that at this time in the world and this time in his life (he's pushing 50), it's time for some commercial maintenance."

Paramount had a successful critical and commercial run in the early 1990's with Alec Baldwin as the character in "The Hunt for Red October" and Harrison Ford as Ryan in both "Patriot Games" and "Clear and Present Danger".

After some delays, the studio tried a 'reboot' of the franchise with "The Sum of All Fears" casting Ben Affleck as a younger incarnation of the character. Reviews weren't keen on Affleck though generally liked the film otherwise and it still proved modestly profitable.

Since then the franchise has been on hold with many wondering what direction any future installments would take - mainly would the character be older or younger, and will they use another novel in Clancy's series or use their own adventure. While the films were never huge moneymakers, they consistently pulled in profits for the studio.

Ryan Gosling's name was linked last year to the role, while former star Harrison Ford has expressed interest in returning.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14557/is-george-clooney-the-new-jack-ryan-

[quote[
Virginia Madsen ("Sideways," "The Haunting in Connecticut") has joined the indie comedy Father of Invention reports Variety.

The story centers on a humble inventor-turned-egomaniacal billionaire (Kevin Spacey) who loses it all when one of his inventions goes horribly awry.

After eight years in federal prison, he returns to discover his ex-wife (Madsen( has spent his fortune and remarried.

Craig Robinson, Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville and Camilla Belle also star. Trent Cooper directs and co-wrote the projectwith Jonathan Krane and Nichole Beatty.

Space, Dana Brunetti, Jonathan Krane and Ken Barbet produce. Filming is currently underway.
[/quote]
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14556/madsen-weds-spacey-for-invention-

 

[2oclockbeanfiend.2]

i'm not sure which Scary Movie this is, but LMFAO @ the scene where they're making fun of War of the Worlds with Fabolous and Dave Attell

OMFG! the scene where they're making fun of The Village where Carmen Electra is taking a nasty ass diarrhea shit makes me want to kill myself

 

[mariacallas]

^^^ Scary Movie 4. lulz.

 

[TheLoveBandit]

^^^Looks like Finder sitting at the table.



Question - Was Charles Bronson a decent actor? Or just riding the machismo image of so many of that era, and blessed with a non-aging face such that he carried it out across wars, westerns, and 70's cop-like movies?

 

[2oclockbeanfiend.2]

Morgan Freeman's voice alone could kill you with a single syllable. Don't fuck with God.

 

[L2R]

Question - Was Charles Bronson a decent actor? Or just riding the machismo image of so many of that era, and blessed with a non-aging face such that he carried it out across wars, westerns, and 70's cop-like movies?

in his prime, bronson had astounding range, although it was entirely expressed in his eyeballs.

NSFW:

happiness

NSFW:

fear

NSFW:

despair

NSFW:

in love

NSFW:

"oh no he didn't"

NSFW:

silly sailor

 

[Arnold]

Guess the movie that's being remade if I tell you that the dogs name belonging to one of the real based characters was nigger.

bound to get a warning for that

 

[His Name Is Frank]

The Dam Busters

 

[Arnold]

Correct.

NSFW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgePEO7GUtE

As prize you're allowed to watch the trailer for "The Pacific" .

 

[L2R]

Paul Giamatti ("Sideways," "Cold Souls") may be stepping in for Sean Penn in the role of Larry for the upcoming "The Three Stooges" project reports The Boston Globe.

The Farrelly Brothers, who are directing the film, had Benicio Del Toro and Penn attached as Moe and Larry respectively with Jim Carrey linked to the role of Curly.

Penn dropped out citing 'personal reasons', while the article indicates Carrey will also not be a part of the project. Del Toro is still attached to play Moe though.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14853/giamatti-replaces-penn-in-stooges-

IESB reports that Steven Spielberg is in active negotiations to develop the feature film adaptation of the best-selling "HALO" video game franchise.

Previous attempts were made to turn "Halo" into a film back in 2006 with Peter Jackson producing and "District 9" director Neil Blomkamp helming. However that project, a Universal/Fox co-production, essentially collapsed due to studio politics and budgeting disputes according to Jackson himself just a few weeks ago at Comic Con in San Diego.

A few months on and during the writer's strike in late 2007/early 2008, scribe Stuart Beattie ("G.I. Joe," "Collateral") penned a spec script for the film based on Eric Nyland's "Halo: The Fall of Reach" novel. The story serves as a prequel to the original Halo game, explaining the origins of the Spartan soldiers and Halo hero Master Chief 117 along with the horrific first contact with the Covenant hordes and ending with the fall of the UNSC forward base on Reach.

According to the site the script sets up a trilogy with the second set entirely on the Halo ringworld, and the third following the events of the third game. Also the Covenant doesn't appear until the second half of the film, allowing the budget to be kept in check.

What Spielberg's capacity on the project would be is unsure, though if the reports are true it'll likely be only as producer with the property being shepherded under his retooled Dreamworks banner as the studio's first major tentpole franchise of the new regime.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14847/spielberg-resurrects-halo-film-franchise