After more than a year of rumor and innuendo, Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek has spoken about his tense relationship with the film’s director, Bryan Singer.
Malek, who just scored an Oscar Nomination for his performance as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, opened up during an interview at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, confirming that he and Singer had a combative relationship during filming.
“In my situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all,” Malek said. “And that’s about what I can say about it at this point.” Malek then also addressed the recent allegations of sexual misconduct against Singer, adding “For anyone who is seeking any solace in all of this, Bryan Singer was fired. Bryan Singer was fired, I don’t think that was something anyone saw coming but I think that had to happen and it did.”
Related: Queen’s Brian May apologizes after defending Bryan Singer
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Fox studios unceremoniously fired Singer late in production with only three weeks left to shoot after the director repeatedly did not report to set. Rumors also circulated that he had become physically violent with Malek. Singer, for his part, claimed he rushed to visit his sick mother. In any case, Fox replaced him with director Dexter Fletcher, who will helm the Elton John biopic Rocketman later this year. Per union rules, Singer remains the only credited director.
Despite the backstage drama, Singer seemed poised for an immediate comeback. Having earned his reputation as an action director, helming hits like X-Men: Days of Future Past, he signed on to direct a reboot of the barbarian action film Red Sonja. Then The Atlantic published a piece containing a number of sexual misconduct charges against Singer which cited more than 50 sources. Singer has denied any wrongdoing.
Bohemian Rhapsody has since gone on to gross more than $200 million in the United States and received Oscar nods for both Best Actor and Best Picture.
MacAdvisor
Bohemian Rhapsody has gone on to make 802.9 million USD worldwide. It will almost certainly break a billion dollars in its first run.
Bob LaBlah
I thought the movie was very good though not worthy of an Oscar for this reason: the movie tiptoed TOO much around Freddy’s sex life. He, like Singer, was out of control and all around both me knew/know it. And no, I did not see an Oscar worthy performance. I saw a good performance but it wasn’t praise worthy. I do recommend to all who remember Queen to go see it on the big screen. It wasn’t until I saw the movie that I remember that video that they did in drag and it wasn’t not permitted to be shown on MTV. Yes kiddies, once upon a time even MTV was Puritanical.
adje
Was ? still is! and it’s getting even worse: like fakebook and 99 % of Hollywood, its mission seems to export US prudism, commerce, bigotry conservatism and religious fanatic morals around the world.
Vince
Oh noes. His mommy was sick. Probably the lamest excuse ever. She’s okay though. Praise the Lord.
The Atlantic had another reason for it. Apparently little miss singer was all bothered by this article and I guess another boy was suing him. Would explain his behavior towards malek and everyone else.
ptb2016
I’m still waiting to see the proof about the allegations, which have followed him since his career began. Openly gay and directing hugely successful movies? Clearly a cash cow in some eyes! And actors and directors often have tense relationships. Clearly Vince is a Singer cast off otherwise he wouldn’t be so bitchy.
Creamsicle
Is it really, “spilling” when you refuse to give details? I thought that was the definition of spilling.