Halo 4 Live Action Launch Trailer Debuts

The live-action launch trailer for Halo 4 debuted last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

David Fincher, whose work includes Fight Club and The Social Network, produced the trailer, entitled Scanned. Directorial duties were handled by Tim Miller, who served as a visual effects lead for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to direct the Halo 4 launch trailer in creative partnership with 343 Industries and David Fincher,” Miller said in a prepared statement released by Microsoft. “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.”

Master Chief comes to life in Scanned as elements from his origins are blended with things seen in previous Halo 4 trailers. Fans of the Halo novels will recognize some of the story aspects and characters included in the trailer. Halo: Fall of Reach, Halo: Glasslands and Halo: The Thursday War are all referenced in the trailer.

The trailer, shot in Prague, features Master Chief’s flashbacks as he is being held by an enemy. His flashbacks take viewers from his childhood through his early days as a Spartan and to the new battles he will be facing in Halo 4.

According to Microsoft and 343 Industries, the trailer “continues the franchise’s tradition of expanding the universe through award-winning live-action stories, adding to the lore and anticipation for the next chapter in the landmark franchise that has sold more than 43 million game copies worldwide and generated more than $3 billion in franchise sales.”

Halo 4 is expected to hit store shelves on Nov. 6 exclusively for the Xbox 360. The Scanned trailer can be watched below. It is also available through Halo Waypoint.