The "Halo" movie may have fallen into the Hollywood void, but it looks like we'll be getting a taste of what it would look like to see the Master Chief get that big cinematic treatment.
Microsoft announced Wednesday that Academy Award-winning director David Fincher has been collaborating with the "Halo 4" developers at 343 Industries to create a lengthy launch trailer for the highly anticipated game.
Fincher, the man behind films such as "The Social Network," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Fight Club," is producing the live-action trailer while Tim Miller, the visual effects lead for the film "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," is directing.
According to the announcement, the trailer (which has been given the title "Scanned") takes "an emotionally-charged look at the backstory of 'Halo’s' iconic hero, the Master Chief." It was shot on location in Prague.
"Halo 4" launches Nov. 6. But the extended two-minute trailer will make its world premiere during the Oct. 18 episode of "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." It will be available on Halo Waypoint and the Xbox YouTube channel right after the broadcast.
"Halo is one of the most iconic sci-fi universes, with a depth that allows for amazingly cinematic and emotionally riveting stories," Miller said in the announcement. "The chance to tell a story that explores never-before-seen facets of Master Chief’s journey is an honor. Our goal is to deliver a blockbuster, Hollywood-quality trailer that raises the bar for the award-winning legacy of live-action ‘Halo’ storytelling and gets fans stoked for the return of Master Chief."
Fincher and Miller previously worked together to create the title sequence for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Fincher praised Miller for his work at "the forefront of hybridized live-action/CGI" saying he is "not only pushing the boundary but defining it."
The game's developers at 343 Industries say they are thrilled to see franchise get the Hollywood treatment.
"As a studio, we’re incredibly excited to be working with one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors and one of its top visual effects leads to bring our creative vision for the launch trailer to life," said 343 Industries’ franchise development director Frank O’Connor. "Their involvement is a testament to the significance of 'Halo' as a pop culture touchstone, and we think fans are going to be blown away when they see the final piece."
For a deeper look inside the forthcoming game, check out InGame editor Todd Kenreck's videos below:
Winda Benedetti writes about video games for NBC News. You can follow her tweets about games and other things on Twitter here @WindaBenedetti, and you can follow her on Google+. Meanwhile, be sure to check out the IN-GAME FACEBOOK PAGE to discuss the day's gaming news and reviews.
