In the world of television adaptations, there are bound to be changes that stir up controversy among fans. And that certainly holds true for the Paramount+ show, Halo. The series, based on the beloved video game franchise created by 343 Industries and Bungie, took some liberties, one of the biggest being the decision to frequently remove Master Chief's helmet, much to the dismay of some viewers.
Pablo Schreiber, who portrays the central protagonist, recently confirmed in an interview with Collider that this divisive change will continue in Halo season 2. When asked about the helmet removal and how the new season would address it, Schreiber urged frustrated viewers to 'get used to it.' He explained that the show is all about exploring the dynamic between John and Master Chief, and if you're not on board with that, you might as well give up.
The changes made in season 1, including the helmet removal, received a mixed response from audiences, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 52% from viewers. However, Schreiber revealed that the show was incredibly well-received internationally, and the numbers for Paramount+ were 'off the charts and insane.' Despite the feedback, the focus now is to create a show that everyone can be proud of.
Schreiber emphasized that the decision to remove the helmet throughout the season is essential to tell the story of the supersoldier Master Chief and his journey towards embracing his humanity. The show aims to create a dual experience for the character, with access to the actor's face playing an integral role.
He also acknowledged the difference between the video game experience and the television show, stating that the video game is meant to be an avatar for the player. In contrast, the series aims to delve deeper into the character's humanity and his relationship with humanity itself.
As Halo season 2 approaches, the creative team has an opportunity to improve on the show's adaptation and address the criticisms that arose from season 1. The trailers for the upcoming season indicate a closer alignment with the events of The Fall of Reach, a book considered a direct prequel to the original game released in 2001. This move towards a more straightforward adaptation could potentially resonate better with longtime fans.
Schreiber expressed his hope that season 2, under the guidance of new showrunner David Wiener, would take into account the massive and varied feedback from franchise fans. The future of the show relies on taking a more faithful approach to the source material and satisfying the expectations of the Halo community.
Come February 8th, fans will be able to witness the next chapter of Halo on Paramount+. Will season 2 live up to the expectations, or will it continue to be a point of contention among fans? Only time will tell, but for now, the team behind Halo is determined to create the best show possible and deliver an experience that both respects the source material and captivates viewers.
