A few questions on the Halo universe and franchise itself…

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How would you compare Halo to other major science fiction franchises?

Not as developed, but with just as much potential as any major franchise. There is an interesting history, one with roots back through human civilization which I find very interesting. I’d love to get a sense of the timeline from 2011-2552. There’s a lot that could be done, and I think this franchise is far from being finished. I think Halo still needs more time to grow and be exposed through different mediums and have a wider reach before we can compare it to something like Star Wars.

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What part of this universe do you think is prime for deeper exploration in future stories and/or games?

As mentioned in the previous question, I’d love to see the development of humans over the 500+ year span. In terms of what could play into a good game, I think it needs to revolve around the Spartans – perhaps delving deeper into the Spartan development system and exploring their human side. Halo, to me, is about the Spartans. This is the main element of warfare which differentiates Halo from so many other sci-fi franchises. If we’re focusing on the marines/ODSTs, this is essentially a Starship Troopers story, bystander humans would likely turn this into more of an alien invasion horror genre – the backbone is and must always be the Spartan.

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If the official Halo movie were to arise out of limbo, “development hell”, what sort of story would you love to see told?

I would love to see a film based on either Combat Evolved or the beginning of the war. Naturally, we chose to base Faith on the beginning of some of the major offensives. I think this backstory would engage the established fanbase and interest new viewers as well. I think Halo needs to be told as a well structured dramatic narrative, and not simply a sci-fi film with big action set pieces. There’s so much more this franchise has to offer than a typical Summer blockbuster.

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How do you feel about 343 Industries’ adopting of the Halo property from Bungie? Do you think they can do the Halo mythology justice?

I’m not sure they can do justice to Halo – which is why I don’t have a definitive answer to this question. If they can focus on continuing the story, then I think it is the right choice to carry on with the franchise. If these games are simply being developed for the purpose of maximizing revenues, then the established mythology behind the story will suffer. 343 knows there’s pressure from the community, and I do believe they have the potential to deliver a great experience.

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Of the Halo creations you’ve read, watched, or played previously, which one(s) have impacted you the most?

Definitely Combat Evolved back when I was in elementary school. I remember it being an experience in gaming like none I had before. That game inspired me to adapt Halo into what was my first feature film screenplay (written when I was 12). Funny that 8 years later I have the opportunity to adapt Halo to the screen!

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If you could read one page of the ‘Halo Bible’, which would it be?

Kind of going back to what I mentioned in earlier questions, I’d like to see what brought the human race to his point – assuming that is outlined. Alternatively, more details on the Chief would be great!

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Thanks to Jared Pelletier and Majic Pictures for taking the share some of the vision behind Halo: Faith and its inception!

Halo: Faith links

Others articles and interviews

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Be sure to check back tomorrow for the 4th and final interview of this series – it’ll be a fistful of fiction! Here’s a teaser:

Initially, [the story] was going to be just an excuse to draw some spaceships blowing up and a Spartan kick’n butt… Then I sat down to actually paint the real pages on my computer… I found myself beginning a much larger and deeper story.

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Other articles in the Halo Tales series:

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