Universal and 2K Games’ big budget, big screen adaptation of BioShock may have gotten a little too big for its budget, as the film is now in a holding pattern as cost concessions are made.

The BioShock film, currently in pre-production, was announced last May by Universal and 2K, with Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski attached to helm the film and John Logan, responsible for Gladiator and The Aviator, planned to pen the script.

According to a Universal Pictures spokesperson, the film remains very much alive in extended pre-production “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.”

“No plug has been pulled on BioShock,” reps told Kotaku. “Universal remains committed to making the project and Gore absolutely remains attached as director.”

According to additional reporting from Variety, Universal has cut back on pre-production headcount, noting that the film’s budget had skyrocketed to $160 million, citing unnamed sources.

Variety writes that Universal is looking to have the production moved outside of the U.S. to reduce shooting costs.

“We are evaluating whether this is something we want to do,” Verbinski is quoted as saying. “In the meantime, the film is in a holding pattern.”

The BioShock film did not have an announced release date, but given the current status of the film’s production, we wouldn’t expect to see it any time soon.

[via Kotaku]