While this is actually just a (leaked) short movie/promo of sorts for the upcoming HALO 3 game, it also serves as a look at what the movie may look like, since it was directed by Neill Blomkamp, and produced by Weta Workshop.
Now, obviously, Blomkamp’s involvement with the film is partially what scared the studios away from spending $200 million dollars on HALO, since he has no track record outside of some short films and commercials. I can’t really blame Universal for being hesitant, but this glimpse of Blomkamp’s skills is fairly impressive (think a futuristic BLACK HAWK DOWN). This and other tidbits I’ve been reading show Weta’s determination to pre-pre-production, as well as their commitment to keeping the newbie helmer on board. Is this short going to change people’s minds about the kid? I don’t know, but the fact that HALO 3 is coming out soon and is poised to make about $801 trillion should light a fire under some suit’s ass right quick.
(Note: The pic above is one of the fully functional “Warthogs” built by Weta for the short.)