If you, like us, are waiting for an awesome Queen biopic, well, things are not exactly going to plan. Our first choice for the role of Freddie Mercury, Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G), quit the movie after a dispute with a Queen band member about how the second half of the movie should progress (the unnamed band member wanted it to show Queen after Freddie’s death continuing from strength to strength). Now The Hollywood Reporter comes with more bad news, with director Bryan Singer (X-Men) kicked off the project.

“Bryan Singer is no longer the director of Bohemian Rhapsody," was the word from 20th Century Fox. The production company earlier noted that the production of the project was halted on 1 December due to the "unexpected unavailability" of Singer, after he did not return to set after Thanksgiving. There were previous reports of Singer’s absence from the production and late showings, plus a confrontation between Singer and lead actor Rami Malek (Mr. Robot).

Singer, though, released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, noting, “With fewer than three weeks to shoot remaining, I asked Fox for some time off so I could return to the U.S. to deal with pressing health matters concerning one of my parents. This was a very taxing experience, which ultimately took a serious toll on my own health.  Unfortunately, the studio was unwilling to accommodate me and terminated my services. This was not my decision and it was beyond my control." He also claimed his relationship with Malek was patched up after their dispute.

The studio is set to announce a new director soon, and with only two weeks left of principal photography, Queen fans can surely hope that Singer’s departure doesn’t do the project any permanent damage.