Filming has been stopped on Used Guys, a film meant to star Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey.

While producers say work is delayed until next year, reports suggest the project is dead. The sci-fi comedy would have been the actors' first collaboration since 1996 flop The Cable Guy.

20th Century Fox confirmed work on what was meant to be a big budget movie would not begin on June 10, as had been planned. A spokesman said: "Due to scheduling issues, production is being delayed on Used Guys until sometime next year.

"The Jay Roach-directed film requires a long prep for its futuristic settings, and both actors have films scheduled for later in the year," he added. "All the parties remain committed to making the picture when time permits."

But Reuters reports that other sources say the project has been closed, at least with the current cast.