A Halo adaptation has been in development hell for years, but Showtime is getting serious about their planned TV show. The Hollywood Reporter recently acquired casting notices for the upcoming series based on the best-selling first-person shooter video games. Naturally, the first order of business is to fill the role of John-117, better known as the Master Chief.
According to THR, the producers are looking for someone with a “large build” to don the supersoldier’s iconic green armor and helmet. Because Master Chief’s face is never seen in the games, a big name actor isn’t really necessary. That role could go to an unknown performer, with someone more established providing his voice. It’s also possible that the producers are taking creative liberties by showing us Master Chief’s face. However, that would be a move unlikely to sit well with longtime fans of the franchise. Just ask Sylvester Stallone, who played the title role in 1995’s poorly-received Judge Dredd.
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Additionally, the producers are planning to cast the Chief’s fellow UNSC marines as well as Dr. Christine Halsey. She was introduced in the 2010 prequel, Halo: Reach. Halsey was also revealed as the architect of the SPARTAN-II program, which created Master Chief and his ill-fated, cybernetically-enhanced compatriots. The series will start production in Budapest, Hungary in 2019.
The original Halo trilogy was developed by Bungie and was released between 2001 and 2007. Bungie bequeathed the reigns to 343 Industries for the ongoing Reclaimer Trilogy, which began with 2012’s Halo 4. The next installment, Halo Infinite, was announced at E3 this year, but it is still without a release date.
Who would you like to see play Master Chief? What other characters are you hoping will make an appearance on the series? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
