Netflix has halted pre-production on its untitled epic drama about ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal, starring Denzel Washington in the titular role and directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film was scheduled to shoot later this year in Italy, but insiders say production has been paused to allow producers and the studio to resolve budget issues.
Both sides are reportedly working to get the project back on track, with hopes that the movie can still move forward at Netflix. The project had been gearing up over the past few weeks, with casting meetings and location scouting in Italy underway before the halt.
The film features one of the world's biggest movie stars and a director fresh off the success of 'Michael,' the year's biggest live-action film to date. Washington and Fuqua have a long track record of hits, including 'The Equalizer' franchise and the Oscar-winning 'Training Day.'
Hannibal was a Carthaginian general from Phoenicia, a Semitic civilization based in North Africa (modern-day Tunisia). Carthage was Rome's greatest rival, ultimately defeated in the Punic Wars. The historical context has sparked online debate, with some commenters noting that Hannibal was not African but Semitic.
Critics have also questioned the casting, with some arguing that Washington, now in his 70s, is too old to play a 28-year-old Hannibal. Others have expressed a desire for more diverse roles for the actor, suggesting a sci-fi series instead.
