After their adult-geared films (Green Zone, Repo Men) failed at the box office Universal has pulled the plug on another drama, just five weeks before production. We announced the film, previously titled Waterbug, a few months ago. It was to be directed by Asger Leth, who helmed the 2006 documentary on Haitian gangs, Ghosts of Cité Soleil. Now titled Cartel, it was a drug-related drama to shoot on location in Mexico City and star Josh Brolin. They issued the following statement (via Deadline):
“Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment ceased pre-production of Cartel today. As much as we had hoped to begin filming this spring in Mexico City, the studio and its producing partners did not feel it was creatively ready to move forward under the timetable and budget we had established. We thank all of the filmmakers, cast and crew for their work during pre-production.”
It’s a shame as I really enjoyed Ghosts of Cité Soleil and love Brolin’s work. Universal is one of the few studios left releasing higher budget adult-themed films, but it looks like that won’t be the case anymore.
Are you upset Cartel is no more?