Too expensive, the film Hannibal with Denzel Washington paused by Netflix
One of Netflix’s most ambitious projects is encountering turbulence: the historical film Hannibal was stopped before filming even began.
You can have made the hottest musical biopic of the moment and still not have carte blanche.
Antoine Fuqua, who is currently a hit in theaters with Michaelwas to sign another biopic at the same time, that of Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general who would conquer Europe.
But according to VarietyNetflix suspended pre-production of the peplum worn by Denzel Washington. At issue: the cost of production which is reportedly exploding.
Filming was originally planned for this summer in Italy, but the project has been put on hold as the studio and producers try to resolve major budgetary issues. According to the American media, the film is not canceled. Netflix still hopes to complete it, but only if a solution is found to reduce or control its production costs.
The screenplay is by John Logan, Oscar winner for his work on Gladiator And Aviator. The film was to recount the most famous clashes led by Hannibal Barca against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
Considered one of the greatest military strategists in history, Hannibal remained famous for having crossed the Alps with his army and his elephants in order to attack Rome on its own territory.
The project would mark the sixth collaboration between Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington after notably Training Day, Equalizer, Equalizer 2, Equalizer 3 And The Magnificent Seven.
Washington was also set to produce the film alongside Fuqua and several longtime partners.
It now remains to be seen whether Netflix will agree to review its investment or whether Hannibal will have to reduce its ambitions to see the light of day.
