Earlier this week, Showtime confirmed that the Halo live-action TV series has resumed filming. However, the show’s Cortana, Natascha McElhone, is stepping away from the role. In her place, IGN is reporting that Jen Taylor will join the series and reprise her role as Cortana. Taylor has portrayed Cortana in Halo 1-5, Halo: Reach, and for Microsoft’s virtual assistant. She also has extensive voice over experience that includes Star Wars: The Old Republic, RWBY, and Left 4 Dead.
Regardless of her resignation from the role of Cortana, McElhone will still play Dr. Catherine Halsey. It was originally meant to be a dual role for McElhone, and Taylor has also voiced Dr. Halsey in the games.
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Within the series, Pablo Schreiber will portray the iconic Master Chief Petty Officer John-117. Shabana Azmi also stars as Admiral Margaret Parangosky, and Bokeem Woodbine as Soren-066. Additionally, Kate Kennedy co-stars as Kai-125, alongside Natasha Culzac as Riz-028, and Bentley Kalu as Vannak-134
Steven Kane and Kyle Killen are co-showrunners on Halo, which takes place in the 26th century. Much like the video game series that spawned it, the show will also focus on the war between United Nations Space Command and the Covenant.
Halo was scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 2021. However, it’s unclear if the show can still make that projected schedule.
Are you excited to hear that Cortana has her original voice back? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo