The upcoming Halo TV show is using custom-made practical suits for Spartans, and there are a few key reasons why. With production starting back in 2015, the Halo series has been in the works for a long time and was initially supposed to debut in 2021 until it was delayed due to COVID-19-related issues. Based on the popular video game series of the same name, details regarding the plot of Halo remain scarce, but the series will follow the iconic Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) and his battle against an alien force known as the Covenant.
Set far in the future, in the 26th century, an elite combat force has been developed by way of the Spartan Program. These Spartans wear advanced combat armor suits, dubbed Mjolnir, complete with an outer shield system to protect against incoming plasma rounds, explosions, and pretty much everything else that would normally kill a person. These unique suits of armor have been seen on the small screen before, appearing in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Halo: Landfall, and Halo: Nightfall, in addition to various pieces of animated Halo content.
In a detailed new blog, dubbed The Silver Debrief, posted to Halo Waypoint, Halo community writer Alex Wakeford breaks down what fans can expect from the upcoming Halo series and why the production went about recreating the franchise's iconic armor practically instead of using CGI. The post reveals that, while using CGI likely would have been easier in many ways, using "robust" practical suits allows the individual actors' performances to be enhanced. Not only are the actors grounded in the environment, but wearing practical armor "provides interesting limitations that gives them a distinctive way of moving and fighting."
The first Halo teaser gave fans a quick glimpse at exactly what the blog post is describing. The teaser featured a few shots of Master Chief's practical armor as well as the other members of Fireteam Silver. It remains to be seen how the series will handle the armor's outer shield effect and the orange glow that is emitted as that shield is recharged, but it seems like the production will have no choice but to use CGI to enhance the practicality in some areas. Of course, while the commitment to practical armor suits is admirable, CGI will undoubtedly play an important role in the series when it comes to the enemy Covenant forces, space travel, and the otherworldly elements that Halo is known for.
In an age where many superhero movies rarely even use practical costumes for heroes, many fans will likely find it reassuring that the Halo series is taking a decidedly practical approach to the iconic Mjolnir armor. Not only will the practical Spartan armor suits enhance the actors' performances, but practicality also tends to help keep things feeling more real and tangible for audiences. It's not entirely clear when the Halo series will premiere on Paramount+ but a full trailer is expected to drop this Sunday, likely giving fans a closer look at the franchise's legendary armor.
Source: Halo Waypoint