How franchises handle canon often differs greatly. In recent years we’ve seen multiverses and differing timelines coming into play in established films and shows that allow some works to crossover whilst others stay standalone and separate.
Microsoft and Paramount+ are embracing that strategy for their upcoming “Halo” TV series as series executive producer Kiki Wolfkill says a decision was made early on that the show won’t be a part of the canon of the video game series. This is a deliberate choice which she sees as beneficial for both universes:
“We’re referring to this [the TV series] as the Halo Silver Timeline as a way of differentiating it from core canon. In both protecting core canon and protecting the television story, and by that I mean being able to give ourselves the chance to evolve both and for both to be what they need to be for their mediums without colliding with each other.”
The “Halo” universe stretches beyond the games into books, audio series, and more which can be a bit complicated. Thus the show is forging ahead on its own without any continuity baggage that might put off newcomers.
The series stars Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief, Danny Sapani and Olive Gray as Jacob and Miranda Keyes, and Jen Taylor as Cortana. Otto Bathurst is director and producer of the series which debuts exclusively on Paramount+ in early 2022.
The upcoming Halo TV show now has its own canon status! It falls under something called the “Halo Silver Timeline”.
According to @k_wolfkill, this was done to help protect both the Core Canon and the TV show’s story, letting each evolve to best suit the medium that they are on. pic.twitter.com/e3YAv5UDUm
— Halopedia (@Halopedia) December 16, 2021
Source: IGN