The upcoming Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody has been shut down due to director Bryan Singer‘s “unexpected availability” due to “a personal health matter concerning Bryan and his family.”
Filming, including a recreation of Queen’s famed 1985 Live Aid performance, began on the project during late summer, but Singer did not return to the set after a break for Thanksgiving, and crew members received letters on Friday (December 1) announcing a halt to the production.
Singer also recently deleted his Twitter account, and The Hollywood Reporter reports that the director has been “routinely” late and even AWOL during the shoot and that Twentieth Century Fox has considered replacing him. Nevertheless, a statement from Singer’s representatives promises he “hopes to get back to work on the film soon after the holidays” and complete Bohemian Rhapsody in time for its scheduled Christmas Day 2018 release.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.