In the wake of multiple sexual misconduct allegations being brought against BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY director Bryan Singer, Millennium Films has announced that development on RED SONJA (which Singer was slated to direct) has been placed on the back burner. Deadline Hollywood exclusively broke the news pertaining to the studio's female-led swords and sorcery epic being halted this afternoon, with a statement from Millennium that said, “the project is not on the slate at the moment and is not for sale at the EFM in Berlin.”
While Singer has yet to be officially ousted from the RED SONJA project, Millennium's words certainly lend credence to the idea that they are reconsidering Singer's role, and will perhaps remove him from the film entirely after carefully weighing the consequences of his involvement. Before word broke about the film being placed on hold, RED SONJA was set to begin production in Bulgaria this year, though that won't be happening now.
In recent times, Singer had again been made the subject of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, following the publishing of a damning exposé in The Atlantic. In the article, it was suggested that Singer has engaged in sexual activities with underage boys, though Singer has denied the allegations at every turn. At this time, THE USUAL SUSPECTS producer has not been charged or convicted of any crimes.
When Singer was first announced for the long-gestating RED SONJA project, long-time fans of the character were baffled by Millennium's decision to hire a filmmaker who in the past has been scrutinized for sexual assault. Why? Oh I don't know, maybe it's because part of the scarlet-haired swordsmith's dark and troublesome backstory includes incidents of sexual assault? Oh, and let's not forget that Millennium was reportedly negotiating with Singer for a payday of up to $10 million for the gig.
Shortly after the latest set of allegations against Singer had surfaced, Millennium Films CEO Avi Lerner back-pedaled real hard after recently praising the filmmaker for his unique talents behind the camera.
Lerner said that his comments "came out the wrong way." To which he then added, “I think victims should be heard and this allegation should be taken very, very seriously,” he said last week. “I just don’t agree to judge by Twitter. I want [the accused] to be judged by the court.”
How do you feel about RED SONJA being placed on hold? Do you think Singer will remain on the project or has the hunt officially begun for his replacement? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.