The filmmaker, who was fired from Queen biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' last year, is wanted by Millennium to helm its big-screen take on Roy Thomas and Barry Smith-created character.
- Sep 18, 2018
AceShowbiz - Bryan Singer is close to nabbing his next directing gig following his controversial exit from "Bohemian Rhapsody" and rape allegations against him. Words are the "X-Men: Apocalypse" director is in talks to helm Millennium's "Red Sonja".
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 53-year-old filmmaker is offered "top dollar" by the studio for the assignment. Should the deal be sealed, he will re-team with Ashley Miller who is tapped to write the screenplay. Miller previously co-wrote "X-Men: First Class" (2011), which Singer produced.
The upcoming project is reportedly expected to repair Singer's bad reputation following some scandals that plagued his career. He was fired by 20th Century Fox as "Bohemian Rhapsody" director in December 2017 allegedly after an escalating clash between the helmer and lead actor Rami Malek, who plays Freddie Mercury in the movie. Singer additionally had been missing from the set.
The "Mr. Robot" star reportedly complained to the studio about Singer's "unreliability and unprofessionalism." The filmmaker was said not returning to the set in London after Thanksgiving break, which led to the production being halted earlier that month. His representative explained at the time that his absence was due to "a personal health matter concerning Bryan and his family."
Dexter Fletcher was later hired as replacement for the latter stage of the shoot, though Singer will retain sole director credit. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is scheduled for a November 2 release in the United States.
Singer was dropped as an executive producer on FX's series "Legion" earlier this year in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. His agency WME also decided to cut ties with him due to the scandal.
"Red Sonja" has been long in development at Millennium. Back in 2008, Robert Rodriguez was on board to direct the adaptation with his then-girlfriend Rose McGowan tapped as the lead actress, but it fell apart.
Millennium's Avi Lerner and Joe Gatta are now attached as producers along with Cinelou's Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon. No cast has been announced for the movie, which is going to take on the Marvel Comics character created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Smith in 1973.
