7 Upcoming Films Destined For Controversy

What could have (and should have) been an easy road to awards considerations has been tarnished in more ways than one can count. Even the road to Bohemian Rhapsody's production has been defined by the issues getting it off the ground.

All started in 2013 when Sacha Baron Cohen (originally slated to play Freddie Mercury) left the project, citing creative differences with the remaining members of Queen. With no director yet confirmed and actors dropping in-and-out of the running to play Mercury, it seemed Bohemian Rhapsody would remain in development hell and would eventually fizzle out.

In 2016, 20th Century Fox fast-tracked the film into production, with Bryan Singer in the director's chair and Rami Malek playing the legendary singer. Singer's sordid past of sexual misconduct allegations against minors having come to light in the wake of the #MeToo movement immediately drew negative press to the film. Though Singer was fired from the production soon after and was replaced by Dexter Fletcher, his name remains attached to the film due to Directors Guild of America bylaws.

Fans responded negatively to the release of the first trailer, as it appeared that Mercury's bisexuality and AIDS diagnosis were being glossed over. Though the second trailer seemed to hint more at those elements having a part in the film, it remains to be seen just how deeply the film tackles them. Regardless, the name association of Bryan Singer could very badly hurt the film's ability to make an impact.