Netflix has reportedly halted pre-production on the upcoming Denzel Washington-led epic drama about the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca (aka. Hannibal the Conqueror).
The project reunites Denzel with his “The Equalizer” and “Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua, while the script is being penned by “Gladiator” and “Skyfall” scribe John Logan.
Deadline reports that the plan was to shoot later this year in Italy, but insiders for the trade say the project has paused “so that producers and the studio can figure out the budget.”
Both sides are reportedly working to get the movie back on track with the hope it can still move forward at Netflix. Meetings with other actors had taken place in recent weeks, and Fuqua and his crew had begun scouting locations in Italy.
When certain issues arose, both sides agreed it was best to halt pre-production and get things in a good place that everyone agreed on.
A legendary tactician and leader, Hannibal is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film is expected to cover the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
He’s most famous for invading Rome while riding a Northern African war elephant. He and the Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans – occupying the majority of southern Italy for fifteen years. He was eventually defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Zama.
Fuqua, Washington, Erik Olsen and Adam Goldworm will produce.
