Just weeks away from filming, the upcoming two-part adaptation of Stephen King's horror classic "It" has hit a major roadblock: Director Cary Fukunaga has abruptly left the production.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fukunaga and studio New Line could not agree on the film's budget, a dispute that "stem[med] from a difference in creative visions." Per THR:

Insiders say that New Line had greenlit the movie at $30 million (the second part would have had a larger budget) and that Fukunaga's drafts were coming in at a higher number. Even with the start of principal photography approaching, the script was still being reworked.

Execs, producers and the director realized they were at an impasse and would not make their start date. Fukunaga decided to leave the project, which has now been pushed indefinitely.

THR went on to say that Fukunaga and New Line reportedly had a rocky relationship from the start, with the strong-willed director clashing with the studio over casting decisions, among other disagreements.

Still, Fukunaga's departure is surprising primarily because filming was slated to start so soon -- in three weeks. Actor Will Poulter was also recently revealed as the production's choice to play evil clown Pennywise, a splashy and surprising casting that's now in question, since the film is currently in flux.

Even King himself wasn't entirely sure the production could recover, It" miniseries still terrorizes fans today.

The remake of IT may be dead--or undead--but we'll always have Tim Curry. He's still floating down in the sewers of Derry.

Posted by Stephen King on Monday, May 25, 2015

Here's hoping "It" fans will find solace in its creator's words (and the film can somehow get back on track).

[via: The Hollywood Reporter, Stephen King]

Photo credit: Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival