It’s been a rough year for Bryan Singer. After multiple sexual assault claims, with some involving underage men, and erratic behavior that led to his dismissal from the upcoming “Bohemian Rhapsody, it appears that studios will hire anyone they think can turn a profit, as he’s about to sign on for yet another franchise film.
READ MORE: Bryan Singer Talks Kevin Spacey & ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’; Faces Rape Allegations
According to THR, Singer is in negotiations to helm Millennium Films’ upcoming “Red Sonja” reboot. The film, which has been stuck in development hell for a full decade, is being developed as the start of the next big female-led franchise, a la “Wonder Woman” and “Captain Marvel.” For those not familiar with the decades-old character, who was the center of a terrible ‘80s film, “Red Sonja” tells the story of a fierce warrior in the same sword-and-sorcery universe as Conan the Barbarian.
As mentioned, this is the first project for Singer after his dismissal from “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the sexual assault claims. THR says that Millennium paid “top dollar” to land Singer, which shows just how in-demand the director is despite the controversy. For those not familiar, the director was unceremoniously fired from his work on the upcoming Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic after erratic behavior which reportedly included throwing objects at star Rami Malek. However, even with the firing towards the end of production, which was finished by Dexter Fletcher, Singer still receives director’s credit for the film, which is poised to be a potential awards contender.
Singer is also the subject of numerous accusations from men claiming that the director sexually assaulted them. The highest-profile claim comes from Cesar Sanchez-Guzman, who sued the director late last year after alleging Singer sexually assaulted him on a yacht back in 2003. Sanchez-Guzman was 17 at the time of the alleged incident. Singer is also accused of threatening to ruin Sanchez-Guzman’s reputation.
While attaching himself to a franchise is not the end of the controversy, it does show that Hollywood studios are quick to snatch up “proven talent” no matter the potential shitstorm of publicity. We already reported that James Gunn is in high-demand after his firing at Disney, even though his controversy and Singer’s are two completely different situations.
“Red Sonja” was last announced in 2008 when Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan were attached to develop the project. Since then, it’s been toiling around the system, before landing on Singer’s doorstep.