Production on Denzel Washington’s “Hannibal” has been temporarily halted, due to budget concerns that have put the project on pause. The untitled historical epic war film, which was scheduled to be filmed in Italy this summer, has been postponed as producers and the studio work to resolve financial issues.
Film executives on both sides are said to be working to get production back on track in hopes that the film will still move forward.According to Deadline, the pause came after the two sides failed to agree on the budget required to move forward with the ambitious production. The studio did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
What is it Denzel Washington movie Hannibal on
The film embodies the role of the Carthaginian commander Hannibal, who is widely considered one of the most famous military leaders in history.
The script was written by Academy Award winner John Logan, known for his work on The Aviator and Gladiator, and will focus on the battles Hannibal led against the Romans during the Second Punic War. Washington also serves as a producer on the project.“The Equalizer” director Antoine Fuqua is helming the film, and if it is eventually released, it will be his sixth collaboration with Washington. The duo recently worked together on the sequel to the 2023 thriller “The Equalizer 3.”
Washington (71 years old) was nominated for ten Oscars and won two awards during his career that lasted nearly five decades, where he won best supporting actor for the movie “Glory” in 1990 and best actor for the movie “Training Day” in 2002.
Antoine Fuqua’s recent box office success with “Michael”
Fuqua joins the Hannibal project after directing the King of Pop biopic “Michael,” which has grossed $850 million and is growing at the global box office. The film opened to approximately $40 million in US theaters on its opening day in April, making it a major commercial success despite receiving a mixed reception.Many took issue with the film’s decision to end Jackson’s story in 1988, years before numerous child sexual abuse allegations against the singer surfaced, with many claiming the film effectively sidestepped his complex legacy. Despite the divided response, the film was a hit with audiences, posting strong box office numbers throughout its opening weeks.With the project now paused on Netflix, it remains to be seen if budget issues can be resolved in time to keep the film’s planned schedule on track.
