Paramount+ is betting high onHalo’s success, as the TV series adaptation of the iconic video game franchise has already been renewed for a second season even before the series premiere. That’s most certainly good news for fans, as theseries’ first trailerpromisesHalowill bring everything fans love about the franchise to live-action.
TheHaloseries, just like the games, is set in the 26th century, when humanity is entangled in an intergalactic war against an alien menace known as the Covenant. To win the war, the brilliant scientist Dr. Halsey (Natascha McElhone) created the Spartans, super-soldiers genetically and technologically enhanced to improve their physical and mental capabilities. The series follows the story of Master Chief Spartan John-117 (Pablo Schreiber), the commander of the Spartan unity.
TheHaloserieswill not follow the same canon as the game, ensuring the writers maintain their freedom, and fans can still be surprised. Even so, with more than a dozen games of the franchise already released, there’s a lot of material the series can adapt. So, an early renewal makes narrative sense, especially considering how the trailer keeps the main story beats that ensured the franchise’s longevity. Besides that, so much money was already invested inHalo’s chaotic production that it is safer for investors to keep the show alive for as long as they can.
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The journey of theHaloTV series began in 2013 when the adaptation was officially announced as part of Xbox’s push to produce multimedia content. Unfortunately, the Xbox Entertainment Studios closed up shop in 2014, which resulted in the series being picked up by Showtime. It would take four years for Showtime to greenlight the expensive 10-episode first season ofHaloback in 2018. However, that wasn’t the end of Master Chief’s long journey towards television, as the show was barely halfway through production when the pandemic caused another delay. At the beginning of 2021,Halochanged hands once again, as the series was traded off to Paramount+.
Commenting on Halo’s early renewal, Paramount+’s chief programming officerTanya Gilessaid:
“Halois an expansive, world-building opportunity for Paramount+, and we’re thrilled to give fans a second season to look forward to before we launch the series next month.Halowill deliver a thrill-ride for fans of the game and non-gamers alike, as it ties together stunning visuals with a deeper look at the personal stories behind these iconic characters, all set within an epic battle for the future of humanity.”
Chief content officer of scripted originalsDavid Nevinsalso added:
“Halotakes us into a dazzling world that we believe will enthrall audiences as much with its electrifying visuals as its bold, character-driven storytelling. This second-season pickup reflects the confidence we have in the power of this epic series to attract and engage viewers.Halohas been a great collaboration with Amblin and 343 Industries, and we are all grateful for the opportunity to continue it.”
Halo’s cast also includesJen Taylor,Shabana Azmi,Natasha Culzac,Olive Gray,Yerin Ha,Bentley Kalu,Kate Kennedy,Charlie Murphy,Danny Sapani, andBokeem Woodbine.Darryl Frank,Justin Falvey, andSteven Spielbergexecutive produceHalofor Amblin Television alongsideSteven Kane, directorOtto BathurstandToby Lesliefor One Big Picture, andKyle KillenandScott Penningtonfor Chapter Eleven. Wolfkill,Frank O’Connor, andBonnie Rossserve as executive producers for 343 Industries.
HaloSeason 1 is coming exclusively to Paramount+ on Thursday, March 24.
