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THR now reports that the decision to cut Singer stems from on-set tensions between him and the film’s cast and crew.
They write:
Trouble began when Singer went absent during production on several occasions. His no-shows resulted in cinematographer Thomas Newton Sigel having to step in to helm some of the days while Singer was missing.
Tom Hollander, who plays Queen manager Jim Beach, also is said to have briefly quit the film because of Singer’s behavior, but was persuaded to return, according to one source.
[Rami] Malek complained to the studio, charging Singer with not being present on set, unreliability and unprofessionalism.
The growing tension led to a confrontation between Singer and Malek, which, while it did not become physical between the two did involve Singer throwing an object. Subsequently, however, the two are said to have settled their differences and filming was expected to resume.
However, Singer never returned to set after the Thanksgiving break. His prolonged absence was the final straw, and so the studio decided to terminate his contract.
According to insiders, Singer is claiming he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder because of the tensions from the on-set drama.
This is not the first time Singer went missing during a production. He momentarily vanished during the shooting of X-Men: Apocalypse and during Superman Returns.
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Singer, also the director of The Usual Suspects, has long had accusations of child sex abuse hover over him — though, it should be said, much fewer formal accusations under the law.
The Queen film, entitled Bohemian Rhapsody, stars actor Rami Malek as legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The movie had been filming in London.
Fox promises a new director will be named soon.
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