Denzel Washington To Play Hannibal In Antoine Fuqua Netflix Film

Denzel Washington is set to take the lead as the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in Antoine Fuqua’s untitled Netflix film, Deadline reports.

Washington and Fuqua have worked on a slate of hit films for more than 20 years, including Training Day and the very successful The Equalizer trilogy. Washington won a Best Actor Oscar for the former.

The untitled epic drama is based on real-life warrior Hannibal, widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles the skilled military tactician led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.

Hannibal invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant, as noted by Variety. Under his lead, Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans and occupied most of southern Italy for 15 years. It wasn’t until the Romans defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama that they could counter-invade North Africa.

The film is part of Fuqua’s production company Hill District Media’s first-look partnership with Netflix. Fuqua will produce alongside Washington, Erik Olsen, and Adam Goldworm, with John Logan, who also wrote 2000’s Oscar winner Gladiator, serving as screenwriter. Jeremy Lott and Frank Moll are executive producers on the project.

Washington and Fuqua haven’t spent too much time apart as the pair are fresh off the heels of the third installment of The Equalizer, released in September. It’s perfect timing for Washington, who desired to make the film 20 years ago but was dedicated to raising his children and didn’t want to spend extended time away from home.

It’s among the two-period films Washington has in the works, with the Academy Award winner also working on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, which is set to restart production now that the strike is over. The highly anticipated film is slated for a Thanksgiving 2024 release.