Netflix has paused pre-production on the historical epic 'Hannibal', starring Denzel Washington as the Carthaginian general, due to budgetary concerns. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, was in early pre-production with plans for a summer shoot in Italy.
The project, written by Oscar winner John Logan, focuses on Hannibal's pivotal battles against the Romans during the Second Punic War. Washington and Fuqua are producing alongside Erik Olsen, Adam Goldworm, Todd Black, and Clayton Townsend, under Fuqua's Hill District Media first-look deal with Netflix.
This would mark the sixth collaboration between Fuqua and Washington, following 'The Equalizer 3' (2023) and 'Training Day' (2001), for which Washington won an Oscar. Fuqua recently directed the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael', which grossed over $850 million worldwide.
The hope is for 'Hannibal' to move forward once budget concerns are resolved. No new timeline has been announced.
