Denzel Washington has solely filmed one film a 12 months for the previous three years, together with “The Equalizer 3 ” and “Gladiator 2.”
Final 12 months, the Oscar-winning actor starred in Spike Lee’s “Highest to Lowest.”
However followers anticipating his function as one of many best army minds in world historical past might have had their hopes shattered.
Washington, 71, was set to star in an upcoming Netflix biopic. “Hannibal” follows the historic Carthaginian normal who famously clashed with the Roman Republic.
This movie reunites Washington along with his longtime collaborator Antoine Fuqua, 61. The pair additionally labored collectively on “Coaching Day,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “The Equalizer” franchise.
The duo additionally serves as producers on the epic battle drama. Author John Logan, recognized for “Gladiator” and “Michael,” penned the script.
In March, stories mentioned filming for “Hannibal” would start this summer season in Italy with Robert Richardson, 70, serving as cinematographer.
By June, Netflix paused pre-production over reported finances considerations. Insiders anticipated work to renew as soon as the cash points was resolved.
The movie’s finances reportedly topped $200 million, making it one in all Netflix’s most costly originals. That may put it alongside movies like “Pink Discover” and “The Grey Man.”
Netflix reportedly shelled out $320 million for 2025’s “The Electrical State.” The movie stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci.
In a current interview with Richardson has positioned much more doubt on whether or not a Washington-led “Hannibal” movement image will ever see the sunshine of day.
“I simply did ‘Madden,’ with David O. Russell, and I used to be going to make ‘Hannibal’ with Antoine and Denzel Washington for Netflix,” Richardson instructed Deadline in early July.
“However it fell via simply two weeks in the past,” the three-time Academy Award winner revealed. “I used to be on it for 10 or 12 weeks.”
Regardless of hypothesis, neither producers nor Netflix have confirmed an official cancellation.
Richardson beforehand oversaw the cameras and lighting on the Fuqua-directed films “Emancipation” in 2022 and “The Equalizer 3” with Washington in 2023.
With discuss of “Hannibal” going over finances and one in all Fuqua’s collaborators hinting that manufacturing is finished, social media customers weighed in on the behind-the-scenes problems.
Experiences claimed “Hannibal” had gone over finances. One among Fuqua’s collaborators additionally hinted that manufacturing was completed. Social media customers rapidly weighed in on the behind-the-scenes drama.
“They need to deliver it to the massive display,” one particular person on X speculated.
Dozens of commenters centered on “Hannibal” probably skipping theaters and debuting on streaming as a substitute.
“Make it theater-worthy, give it a large launch, and it is going to be worthwhile. Downside solved,” one particular person steered.
One upset fan expressed, “Bummer! Hannibal deserves a shot on the display. Let’s hope Netflix will get it collectively—Italy is ready!”
The choice to solid a black actor as the traditional Carthaginian normal Hannibal sparked heated debates corresponding to “The Odyssey.”
“Now they’re making Hannibal a black man? Mediterraneans simply getting screwed left and proper by these current ridiculous epics of the traditional world,” mentioned one critic.
One other countered, “A black man enjoying Hannibal is just not even the primary drawback on this case. He’s 70 years previous. Hannibal was not even 30.”
One other mentioned, “That’s crap.”
“If Antoine Fuqua’s schedule opens up as is, the ‘Michael’ sequel may come earlier than anticipated, huh,” posted one moviegoer.
Fuqua could also be having bother getting a Hannibal biopic off the bottom, however the veteran filmmaker hit field workplace gold along with his just lately launched Michael Jackson biographical image.
“Michael,” starring the late singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, made historical past because the highest-grossing biopic after surpassing the $1 billion mark globally.
Sooner or later, Washington has three different movies within the works, “Black Panther 3,” “The Equalizer 4” and “Right here Comes the Flood.”
