Netflix has paused pre-production on its untitled Hannibal drama directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington. The studio and producers are reassessing the project's budget, temporarily halting work despite plans to start filming later this year.

The $30 million toe in the water

The film, which would mark the sixth collaboration between Washington and Fuqua, focuses on the Carthaginian general's campaigns during the Second Punic War. The project has long been a passion piece for Denzel Washington, who has been interested in portraying the historical figure for over two decades.

Location scouting in Italy and meetings with additional cast members had been underway before the pause... The production team, including director Fuqua, was actively scouting locations in Italy and Netflix was meeting with additional actors to join Washington in the cast.

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

The story of Hannibal has captivated audiences for centuries and has been a sought-after subject in Hollywood for years, making this anticipated drama a significant undertaking for the streaming giant. a successful resolution would allow this sixth collaboratioon between Washington and Fuqua to move forward,adding a major historical epic to Netflix's growing slate of original films.

Both sides aim to resolve the budgetary issues quickly so production can resume. The hope is that a mutually acceptable solution can be found quickly, allowing production to resume soon.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

Netflix has placed its upcoming untitled epic drama, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington as Hannibal, into a pre-production pause.. The studio and producers are currently reassessing the film's budget , a development that has temporarily halted work despite plans to begin production later this year.

Both parties have agreed to the pause after encountering issues that require immediate attention.. A successful resolution would allow this sixth collaboration between Washington and Fuqua to move forward, adding a major historical epic to Netflix's growing slate of original films.