Streaming service Netflix has paused pre-production on its untitled historical epic about Carthaginian general Hannibal, starring Denzel Washington, as the studio and producers work to resolve budget concerns.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-winning screenwriter John Logan, had been slated to shoot in Italy this summer, reported Deadline.

Executives on both sides are working to get production back on track and hope the project can still move forward at Netflix.

In the movie, Washington would essay the role of Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of history's greatest military commanders.

The story will focus on the battles Hannibal led against Rome during the Second Punic War.

The Hannibal project would mark the sixth collaboration between Washington and Fuqua. They earlier worked together on Training Day, The Magnificent Seven and three Equalizer movies.

Washington, 71, has received 10 Oscar nominations and won two Academy Awards in his nearly five-decade career -- best supporting actor for "Glory" in 1990 and best actor for "Training Day" in 2002.

Fuqua comes to the project on the back of Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic he directed, which has grossed over 850 million dollars at the global box office.