Although director Bryan Singer has been dogged by sexual misconduct allegations for years, his career wasn’t directly affect until The Atlantic published a story that accused Singer of having sex with young men below the age of consent. At the time, Millennium Films had tapped Singer to direct Red Sonja, a new film adaptation of the classic Robert E. Howard character. Now, it appears that Singer has been dropped entirely from the film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Millennium Films’ Avi Lerner was forced to let Singer go because no major distributor wanted Red Sonja if he was attached. Regardless of the allegations, Lerner was initially one of Singer’s staunch defenders. He even called The Atlantic’s report as “agenda-driven fake news.” However, Lerner’s comments also caused a backlash as well. Lerner subsequently blamed his remarks on a PR statement that he approved without reading.
RELATED: Millennium Films Shelves Red Sonja Movie After Bryan Singer Allegations
It’s worth noting that Lerner’s initial statement cited Bohemain Rhapsody‘s box office as a justification for keeping Singer. “The over $800 million Bohemian Rhapsody has grossed, making it the highest grossing drama in film history, is testament to his remarkable vision and acumen. I know the difference between agenda driven fake news and reality, and I am very comfortable with this decision. In America people are innocent until proven otherwise.”
Red Sonja’s current status is unclear, and it may once again be in development hell. Brigitte Nielsen starred in the previous Red Sonja film in 1985. Previous attempts to remake the film with Rose McGowan and Amber Heard in the lead role failed to materialize.
How do you feel about Bryan Singer’s possible removal from Red Sonja? Who should direct the film in his place? Let us know in the comment section below!
