Bryan Singer ‘to earn $40 million’ from Bohemian Rhapsody despite abuse claims
Director Bryan Singer attends the 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party at The City of West Hollywood Park on February 26, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty)
Embattled Bohemian Rhapsody director Bryan Singer stands to make an estimated $40 million from the film’s success, despite allegations of sex abuse and his sacking from the project.
Bryan Singer, the 53-year-old gay director behind Oscar-nominated Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, has been accused of sexual misconduct by separate eight men—all of which he denies.
But despite widespread outrage at the allegations, many of which surfaced in a January 23 feature published by The Atlantic, Singer stands to receive a big payout from box office hit Bohemian Rhapsody.
Bryan Singer set for lucrative payday despite sex abuse allegations
The Hollywood Reporter estimates that Singer stands to make approximately $40 million from his work on Bohemian Rhapsody, with a reported $10 million upfront fee bolstered by a percentage of the hefty profits.
Given the Queen biopic took more than $800 million at the global box office on a budget of $50 million, a standard cut would put Singer in line for a $40 million total payday.
Singer was sacked from Bohemian Rhapsody in December 2017, two weeks before the completion of filming, after allegations of absences from set and erratic behaviour.
Bryan Singer has denied all allegations against him (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty)
Dexter Fletcher stepped in to direct the remainder of the film, but Singer retained the sole direction credit on the final release, meaning he will likely still receive a substantial payout.
The GLAAD Media Awards rescinded Bohemian Rhapsody‘s nomination for Best Original Film following the allegations.
But the film is still nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and Singer already has a next project lined up despite the controversy.
Bryan Singer still in line to direct Red Sonja
Film producer Avi Lerner has said he plans to keep Singer as director of upcoming film Red Sonja, describing all the allegations as “fake news.”
He said: “Bryan Singer continues to be attached. 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.”
The Red Sonja gig is worth an additional $10 million to Singer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Atlantic‘s feature also shed some light on the original decision by 20th Century Fox to hire Singer, who has been dogged by abuse allegations for several years, to work on Bohemian Rhapsody.
It alleged: “[Fox executives] had concerns when the project came their way with Singer already attached. But Singer had the support of the surviving members of Queen. The choice for Fox was to do the film with him or to not do it at all.”
