If there were any doubt that Halo is one of the biggest franchises in gaming history, those doubts can now be laid to rest.
Today Microsoft and 343 Industries announced details about Halo 4‘s upcoming launch trailer. That’s right. The companies didn’t release extra pre-launch behind-the-scenes interviews, or another trailer highlighting the games’ weapons. They simply want people to know that they paid a lot for the launch trailer, and that it’s going to be great.
The most surprising part of their announcement is that David Fincher, who directed Fight Club and The Social Network, was the executive producer for the trailer. Tim Miller, who has worked on visual effects for movies such as X-Men, X2, and Where the Wild Things Are, will be directing the trailer.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to direct the Halo 4 launch trailer in creative partnership with 343 Industries and David Fincher,” said Miller. “Halo is one of the most iconic sci-fi universes, with a depth that allows for amazingly cinematic and emotionally riveting stories. 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.”
It’s unclear as to whether the trailer will be live-action or animated, but Fincher stated that Miller is “at the visual and technical forefront of hybridised live-action/CGI.”
The trailer, titled Scanned, will premiere during the October 18 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. For those who miss it, or simply don’t stay up that late, the trailer will be available the next morning on Halo Waypoint and the Xbox YouTube channel. Microsoft’s announcement also hinted that the trailer would be taking an “emotionally-charged look” at Master Chief’s backstory.
Of course, Halo 4 isn’t going to be released until November 6, so Halo fans will have plenty of time to pour over the launch trailer and decipher whatever meaning they can from it.
