Bad news for fans hoping to see Chris Pratt kick some more big screen butt next summer: Universal has reportedly pulled its action flick "Cowboy Ninja Viking" from next year's release schedule, and the film has been delayed indefinitely.

That's the word from Collider, which cites sources who say that the film -- originally slated to debut smack dab in the middle of summer movie season on June 28, 2019 -- was in pre-production when the studio abruptly "stopped discussions with potential ing cast." According to Collider's sources, Universal "wasn’t eager to rush to meet a release date, given that it has franchise hopes for the property."

That's kind of an odd explanation (this movie is going to be huge, so let's delay it!), making us wonder if there was something else going on behind the scenes. Maybe the script needed work, or director engers."

It's possible that Universal simply wanted to take a beat on investing in another big project -- especially one with the potential to become more expensive down the road. But where does that leave the film now?

Collider says that the studio "will re-date the project at a later time," and also notes that just been cast as the film's female lead, remains the top choice for the part, whenever production resumes. Pratt will also stay on board, to both star and produce.

Now we just have to wait and see if Universal plans to continue development at all. Stay tuned.

[via: Collider]