Exclusive reports have revealed that production has paused on Netflix’s untitled Hannibal epic, focused on the ancient Carthaginian general of the same name, which was set to star Denzel Washington in the titular role and was directed by Antoine Fuqua. Shooting was initially scheduled to begin later this year in Italy, yet the film’s budget, which the studio and producers are reconsidering, has prompted a halt.

“The project had been gearing up over the past couple of weeks with Netflix meeting with actors to join Washington in the film as well as Fuqua and his crew scouting locations in Italy,” sources confirm. “When certain issues arose that still needed to be addressed, both sides agreed it was best to halt pre-production and get things in a good place that the studio and producers agreed on.”

The film’s central character is cited via the logline as “one of the greatest military commanders in history,” and referred to as Hannibal the Great throughout historical discussion. He was the general and statesman who oversaw Carthaginian forces in their fight against the Roman Republic in the Second Punic War, having witnessed the deep tension and conflict infecting the Mediterranean basin following the Roman Republic’s rise to power.

Fuqua’s historical epic was first announced in 2023, with Oscar-nominee John Logan penning the script following writing credits on The Aviator, Hugo, and Gladiator. This would see the director and Washington collaborate for a third time, following Training Day in 2001 and Equalizer 3 in 2023.

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Fuqua is currently seeing success with Michael, his musical biopic centred on the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The film, which begins with the historically significant artist’s childhood career and focuses on his breakout into a successful, world-changing solo career, has currently grossed $859.5 million worldwide and stands as having the largest opening number for a musical biographical film. Michael also oversaw pauses and pushbacks of release dates due to strikes and script rewrites.

Meanwhile, Washington has recently appeared in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, a sequel to the 2001 film, and Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. He also has upcoming acting credits on the heist film, Here Comes the Flood, by director Fernando Meirelles.

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