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Following the underwhelming box office performance of Paramount’s $400 million ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ Tom Cruise is now encountering some resistance at Warner Bros. when it comes to developing his new project.

The project in question is ‘Deeper,’ an underwater action thriller directed by Doug Liman and co-starring Ana de Armas. Initially reported by Deadline as having a $200 million budget, new details suggest the true cost is significantly higher.

According to Matt Belloni at Puck, Cruise had been lobbying for a $275 million budget. Warner Bros., who had already invested in early development, have now reportedly capped their spending at $230 million.

This abrupt turn has thrown Cruise and his team into scramble mode, as they try to find a new home for the film ahead of its planned summer shoot. Universal is reportedly a contender and is currently in discussions to acquire the project. Cruise, having spent months in prep, is eager to get rolling as soon as possible.

Liman has described ‘Deeper’ as a “supernatural thriller.” The story centers on a disgraced astronaut, played by Cruise, who descends into a newly discovered ocean trench and encounters a powerful and mysterious force.

Universal appears to be the likely home for the film, as they would be inclined to join a partnership with Cruise and willing to pay the higher budget. After all, when Christopher Nolan left Warner Bros., it was Universal that picked up ‘Oppenheimer’ and gave the production the full $100 million budget.

More details to come.

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