 In 2005 , Columbia Pictures president Peter Schlessel began working outside the studio system to produce a Halo film adaptation . Alex Garland wrote the first script , which was then pitched to studios by couriers dressed as Master Chief . Microsoft 's terms required $ 10 million against 15 percent of gross ; most studios passed , citing the lack of risk for Microsoft compared to their large share of potential profits . 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios decided to partner to produce the film , paying Microsoft $ 5 million to option the film and 10 percent of grosses . Peter Jackson was slated to be the executive producer , with Neill Blomkamp as director . Before Blomkamp signed on , Guillermo del Toro was in negotiations to direct . 
