Production of Denzel Washington's 'Hannibal' delays over budgetary concerns
Washington DC, June 5
The streaming giant Netflix has paused the production of Denzel Washington's upcoming film 'Hannibal' over budgetary concerns, reported Variety. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua.
According to the outlet, the historical epic was planning a summer shoot in Italy, with Fuqua directing and Washington starring as the Carthaginian general, who, as the official logline explains, "is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history."
However, the war movie, which was in early pre-production, has been put on pause while the producers, including Fuqua and Washington, and the studio hammer out budgetary concerns, reported Variety.
The hope is for the project to move forward at Netflix once the concerns are addressed.
Fuqua is set to direct from a script by Oscar winner John Logan, with the story focused on the pivotal battles Hannibal led against the Romans during the Second Punic War.
In addition to starring, Washington is producing the film alongside Erik Olsen, Adam Goldworm, Todd Black, Clayton Townsend and Fuqua via his Hill District Media's first-look deal with Netflix. Scott Greenberg, Kat Samick, Katia Washington, Frank Moll and Jeremy Lott are the executive producers, reported Variety.
The Hannibal project will mark Fuqua's sixth collaboration with Washington, who won an Oscar for Fuqua's 'Training Day' in 2001. They most recently paired on 2023's 'The Equalizer 3,' which was also shot primarily in Italy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who enjoyed "Training Day," I was excited for Fuqua and Washington's reunion. But this isn't surprising—streaming budgets are getting out of hand. Hope they resolve it quickly; Hannibal's story deserves a big screen treatment.
Honestly, I'm not surprised. Historical epics are expensive, and this one with Hannibal... they'll need elephants, snow, and massive battle scenes. But why do they always make movies about Western generals? What about our Indian military history? Chandragupta Maurya, anyone? 🤷♀️
Denzel and Fuqua are a solid combo - their past work shows they can deliver. But I wish these big studios would finalize budgets before announcing projects. It's a bummer for fans who were looking forward to this. Hope they work it out 🤞
These Hollywood productions always have such drama. Meanwhile, our Indian filmmakers like SS Rajamouli create "RRR" and "Baahubali" with grand scale and manage budgets well. Maybe Netflix should look east for inspiration? Just saying 😅
To be fair, budget discussions happen all the time in pre-production. It's wise to pause rather than rush into a bloated film. I'd rather wait for a well-made "Hannibal" than get a half-baked one. Patience, guys! 🍿
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