Halo Series Announcement

Microsoft has confirmed it will produce original Xbox TV programming, starting with a project based on the Halo franchise. The project is being handled by legendary film director Steven Spielberg and looks to be a completely separate entity from the ‘Forward Unto Dawn’ webseries.

Microsoft Studios corporate vice president Phil Spencer confirmed that the project will not be exclusive to Xbox Live, although no additional information was provided.

The effort to create a Halo TV or film adaptation first began in 2006 with Halo Chronicles, a "completely new and original chapter" in the Halo series from Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson that never saw the light of day. Then came the live-action series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn that was used in preparation for the launch of Halo 4.

In late 2012, Microsoft hired former CBS executive Nancy Tellem and began plans for original Xbox TV content. Earlier this year, the company detailed Microsoft’s LA-based studio for “pioneering the future of TV.”