Rumor has it that Bryan Singer directing the sequel to X-Men: Days of Future Past is no longer a done deal. The issue, is, of course, the recent sex abuse allegations against him and accompanying lawsuit — and what, specifically, they're both going to cost Fox.
Yes, Fox is worried about how Singer's lawsuit will affect the production of X-Men: Apocalypse, as there's no way Singer can direct a major summer movie while simultaneously being in court for several months. Radar Online is reporting the rumor, with this incredibly bleak but undoubtedly true quote:
"They [Fox] don't really care whether he's innocent or guilty — they're only concerned with the bottom line, which is giving him another $250 to $350 million to make Apocalypse. There have been talks about who else he'd let direct it, with him producing, but those led to heated arguments and walk outs," the source revealed.
...
The source tells Radar that there's concern if the lawsuit goes to trial it could also affect the movie's production rate.
"They're also looking at how far back they can push production without moving the release date, if any lawsuit did get a court date," the source said.
If you're wondering, yes, Singer has already signed a contract to direct X-Men: Apocalypse, but all it would take Fox to void the contract is to hand Singer a check. Furthermore, some reports apparently say that Singer has actually shown Fox proof that he's innocent, but again, they don't actually care. The lawsuit will affect the movie, which will affect their profits, and that's all the matters to them. About the only thing Singer can hope for is to get the suit dismissed early. But something tells me that's not likely to happen.