BioShock movie put on hold

Universal Pictures has paused pre-production on the movie adaptation of Take-Two's BioShock, over concerns of an inflated budget.

The Gore Verbinski-directed film was set to begin shooting in Los Angeles when it was stalled as the budget grew to USD 160 million, according to Variety. The studio and director are said to be looking to film at other locations, such as London, in order to cut costs.

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

Verbinski, of Pirates of the Caribbean fame, was named as BioShock's director last year, while a videogame sequel to the original is in development by 2K Games now.