Millennium Films has reportedly put development of its comic book adaptation, “Red Sonja,” on hold as outrage surrounding accusations of sexual misconduct against director Bryan Singer continues to mount.
“The project is not on the slate at the moment and is not for sale at the European Film Market in Berlin,” a spokeswoman for Avi Lerner’s studio told Variety.
Millennium dropped plans to shoot “Red Sonja” in Bulgaria later this year.
Last month, The Atlantic published an explosive expose, written by Alex French and Maximillian Potter, detailing four new accounts from men accusing Singer of sexual misconduct beginning in 2014.
Singer has denied any wrongdoing.
“It’s sad that The Atlantic would stoop to this low standard of journalistic integrity,” Singer said in a statement released through his attorney about what he called a “homophobic smear piece.” “Again, I am forced to reiterate that this story rehashes claims from bogus lawsuits filed by a disreputable cast of individuals willing to lie for money or attention.”
Singer, who was fired from the set of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was tapped to direct “Red Sonja” for Millennium in September of last year. Following The Atlantic’s story last month, producer Avi Lerner issued a statement saying: “I continue to be in development for RED SOJNA [sic] and Bryan Singer continues to be attached.”
Ahead of the BAFTA Awards over the weekend, the academy suspended the nomination for Singer for his work on film “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was nominated for seven awards, and Singer’s name was listed along with producer Graham King and writer Anthony McCarten for its nomination for Outstanding British Film. King and McCarten’s names were still listed as nominees for the film.
Rami Malek won the best actor award at the BAFTA awards for his performance of Freddie Mercury.
“In light of recent very serious allegations, BAFTA has informed Bryan Singer that his nomination for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has been suspended, effective immediately,” BAFTA said in a statement ahead of the awards. “BAFTA considers the alleged behavior completely unacceptable and incompatible with its values. This has led to Mr Singer’s suspended nomination. BAFTA notes Mr Singer’s denial of the allegations. The suspension of his nomination will therefore remain in place until the outcome of the allegations has been resolved. BAFTA believes everyone has the right to a fulfilling career in a safe, professional working environment, and it will continue to collaborate with the film, games and television industries to achieve this.”
A Red Sonja film has been in the works at Millennium for more than a decade. Red Sonja is a sword-and-sorcery comic-book heroine from “Conan the Barbarian.” She was created in 1973 created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Smith for Marvel Comics.
The most-recent iteration of the project had Rose McGowan attached to star in the titular role, with then-boyfriend Robert Rodriguez set to direct. But that version ultimately fell through.
Brigitte Nielsen starred in the role in a 1985 version of the film, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.