#Denzel Washington to Star in Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Hannibal’ Epic

Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua are reteaming for the epic Hannibal drama for Netflix.

Fuqua will direct the film based on a script by John Logan, with Washington also producing. There’s no word on Washington’s role in the movie based on the real-life warrior Hannibal, but expect lots of characters atop elephants crossing the Alps.

Washington and Fuqua already had outings on 2001’s Training Day, 2014’s The Equalizer and 2018’s The Equalizer 2. 

The historical figure Hannibal was regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The Netflix movie will cover pivotal battles against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War fought between the two great empires of Rome and Carthage. 

The Hannibal project is part of Fuqua’s production company Hill District Media’s first look partnership with Netflix. Washington first collaborated with the Hollywood filmmaker on his feature directorial debut, The Replacement Killers in 1988.

They duo also worked together on the third edition of the Equalizer franchise. Washington is an Oscar winner for Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001), and more recent credits include The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021).

Washington is also in negotiations to reteam with Ridley Scott on the Gladiator sequel. The duo previously worked together on 2007 movie American Gangster. Washington would join Paul Mescal, who would lead the movie, and Barry Keoghan. 

Also producing Hannibal is Fuqua, Erik Olsen and Adam Goldworm, while Jeremy Lott and Frank Moll will executive produce.