Bohemian Rhapsody has been halted due to the "unexpected availability" of its director, Bryan Singer.
"Twentieth Century Fox Film has temporarily halted production on Bohemian Rhapsody due to the unexpected unavailability of Bryan Singer," declared Fox in a statement.
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Singer did not show up to work after the Thanksgiving break, spurring rumors he may be replaced. The director has reportedly been routinely tardy during filming, and had at least one previous "non-showing" during production.
A representative for Singer cited "a personal health matter concerning Bryan and his family" as a reason for his absence, according to the BBC. "Bryan hopes to get back to work on the film soon after the holidays."
Bohemian Rhapsody stars Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) as Freddie Mercury, the bisexual frontman of Queen who died from AIDS-related complications. The production is set to be released December 2018.
In the past, Singer, who identifies as bisexual, has faced several accusations of sexual assault against minors, although previous lawsuits were dismissed. The news of his absence on Bohemian Rhapsody sparked new speculation on social media.
