Sources say the Gears of War movie project "has really slowed down," reports the Los Angeles Times, inspiring them to ask "Is 'Gears of War' grinding to a halt?" Word is the film's story and budget have been scaled back, and director Len Wiseman is turning his attention to Nocturne, described as "an apocalyptic thriller." Word is:

But the studio has now cut the budget, going from a film that would have cost more than $100 million to one that will cost a good chunk less than that. It's also reined in the story, turning it into a more simple, straight-ahead invasion story instead of a sprawling epic. Producers are looking for a new writer to handle all this, but haven't found one yet. And Wiseman, while technically still attached, will likely not be a part of it when all is said and done. (With him going, any possibility of Kate Beckinsale starring would go too; Wiseman is married to the actress and had talked about wanting her for a part.) A New Line spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment.