Exclusive: Pablo Schreiber talks stepping into Master Chief's armor in Halo season 2
Pablo Schreiber talks about what we can expect from the second season of Halo, and what it's like to play a video game legend.
Sitting down with Pablo Schreiber, the face behind the helmet of Master Chief in Paramount+'s Halo series, was nothing short of a dream come true for this Halo fan. I got the chance to chat with Schreiber about the upcoming explosive second season of the show, which is based on the iconic first-person shooter video game series.
The Halo games arguably got me through my college years. So with a blend of awe and a pinch of fan-girl enthusiasm, I dove right into it and asked Schreiber what it's like for him to embody a character who's not just a hero to me, but to an entire generation of gamers.
Watch our conversation below!
Stepping into the boots of a legend: a mix of pride and pressure
From the get-go, Pablo didn't shy away from sharing the mix of pride and pressure that comes with playing Master Chief. Imagine waking up one day to find out you're going to be the next big thing in a universe adored by millions.
Schreiber confessed that "I've been pinching myself" ever since he landed the role. But it's not just about filling the boots (or armor) of a legend; it's about embracing the countless visions fans have of Master Chief. "Everybody who's playing the video game has their own take on who the character is," Schreiber said. "We all kind of see him as a version of ourselves."
Talk about a heavy mantle to wear!
Digging deeper, Schreiber shared a sneak peek into Master Chief's headspace as we step into season 2. After a rollercoaster of a first season where Master Chief, aka John — our beloved Spartan super-soldier — starts to unravel his emotions and humanity, things get even more intense. Schreiber painted a picture of a character grappling with loss, notably Cortana's absence, which feels like losing a part of himself. He mused about John's internal turmoil and the daunting loneliness of the hero's life, themes that promise to tug at our heartstrings in the upcoming episodes.
"He's burdened by the fact that the whole Silver Team is on some distant planet doing mop-up work they don't feel good about," Schreiber hinted, setting the stage for what's sure to be a season filled with soul-searching and epic battles.
What struck me most during our chat was Schreiber's sincere gratitude for the chance to bring Master Chief to life and his excitement for us fans to dive into the new season. Praising his portrayal, I couldn't help but highlight the nuanced differences between the game's stoic hero and Pablo's more humanized version. It's clear he's not just acting; he's paying homage to a character that means the world to many, myself included.
This chat with Pablo Schreiber wasn't just an interview; it was a journey into the heart of what makes Master Chief such an iconic figure. Schreiber's insights, his understanding of the character's impact, and his vision for bringing depth to the Spartan saga made it clear: season 2 won't just be a continuation of a story, it'll be an exploration of what it means to be a hero, both in and out of the armor.
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