Universal puts BioShock movie on hold

Universal Pictures has placed the production of the BioShock film adaptation on hold.

According to Variety, it's all looking a bit too expensive with a proposed budget of USD 160 million. Some production staff have been made redundant and the film may be shot in London instead of LA to save money.

"We were asked by Universal to move the film outside the US to take advantage of a tax credit," said director Gore Verbinski. "We are evaluating whether this is something we want to do. In the meantime, the film is in a holding pattern."

Verbinski said he's still committed to make the film. In fact, he turned down the opportunity to direct a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film so he could make BioShock. He's got his own production company, Blind Wink, which could do the honours.

Universal is promising the film won't fall by the wayside like the Halo movie did. "No plug has been pulled on BioShock," the company told Kotaku. "Universal remains committed to making the project and Gore absolutely remains attached as director."

They're just extending the pre-production period, apparently, "So the studio and production can take a look at possible alternate shooting locations, available tax credits, foreign exchange rates and other elements that might help us make the film at a responsible budget."

The Eurogamer office is available at a very reasonable rate and is suitably damp, if they're interested.