20th Century Fox announced last night that filmmakerBryan Singerhad been firedfrom directing the in-production (and long, long-in-the-works)QueenbiopicBohemian Rhapsodyafter clashing with actors and not returning to set after Thanksgiving, but Singer has shot back with his own statement—and his own story. TheX-Men: ApocalypseandUsual Suspectsdirector released a statement yesterday shortly after being fired fromBohemian Rhapsodythat readsas follows:
With fewer than three weeks to shoot remaining, I asked Fox for some time off so I could return to the U.S. to deal with pressing health matters concerning one of my parents. This was a very taxing experience, which ultimately took a serious toll on my own health. Unfortunately, the studio was unwilling to accommodate me and terminated my services. This was not my decision and it was beyond my control. Rumors that my unexpected departure from the film was sparked by a dispute I had withRami Malekare not true. While, at times, we did have creative differences on set, Rami and I successfully put those differences behind us and continued to work on the film together until just prior to Thanksgiving. I wanted nothing more than to be able to finish this project and help honor the legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen, but Fox would not permit me to do so because I needed to temporarily put my health, and the health of my loved ones, first.
When word first broke that Singer was missing from theBohemian Rhapsodyset, THR reported thatthis wasn’t a first-time occurrence. Singer reportedlyalsohad similar “disappearances” from the sets ofX-Men: ApocalypseandSuperman Returns, and was given a warning beforeBohemian Rhapsodyfilming began from Fox Film chairman and CEOStacey Sniderand Fox Film vice chairman and president of productionEmma Wattsthat they “wouldn’t tolerate any unprofessional behavior on his part.”
Shortly after Singer’s firing yesterday, his production offices for his company Bad Hat Harry were shut down and moved off the 20th Century Fox lot. His overall deal with Fox had expired in October, but was given an extension to stay on the lot untilBohemian Rhapsodywas complete.
Only a couple weeks of filming remain on the film and a new director announcement is expected shortly, butVarietycites sources saying that since only a little bit of filming remains, the studio might turn to someone from the current crew—like cinematographerThomas Newton Sigel—to complete the film rather than bring in a new director. Sources told both Variety and THR that in Singer’s absence, Sigel—who’s been working with Singer sinceThe Usual Suspects—had to step in and direct some days.
This is all a very strange thing, and there are underpinnings thatsomething else may or may not be coming down the pike, but this story probably isn’t over just yet.Bohemian Rhapsody, meanwhile, is still scheduled to hit theaters on July 30, 2025.
