X-Mendirector Bryan Singer’s behavior on the set created a toxic environment that resulted in several stars threatening to quit the sequel. The situation occurred following an on-set accident that happened while Singer was intoxicated.
20th Century Fox’sX-Menwas released in 2000 to great success and is largely credited with paving the way for the current era of superhero blockbusters. Although Singer, who helmed the first entry in the film series and three of the sequels, was once hailed for his contributions to the film’s fortunes, he has since become the subject of controversy due to his on-set antics and multiple allegations of sexual abuse against minors.
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Now, a new report by The Hollywood Reporter provides insight into how Singer’s irresponsible behavior on theX-Menfilm sets created a toxic environment and led to multiple actors threatening to quit the sequel. According to the article, Singer showed up to the set ofX2: X-Men United, “incapacitated after taking a narcotic” that had also been consumed by members of the crew, resulting in a confrontation between the filmmaker and his producer, Tom DeSanto. “All of the main cast, with the exception of [Ian] McKellen, were in the scene that day, which takes place in the X Jet and comes near the end of the movie. But Singer was defiant and continued shooting, leading to a botched stunt that left Jackman bleeding on camera,” the report notes. Although producer Ralph Winter exercised his authority to shut down production, the studio reportedly sided with Singer on the matter, prompting multiple actors to show up in the director’s trailer in full X-Men costumes and threaten to quit if DeSanto left the project.
While DeSanto reportedly declined to comment on the subject, a representative for Singer told THR, “nothing like that ever happened.” However, an executive involved with theX-Menfilm stated to the outlet that, “his behavior was poor on the movie. We accommodated him on the first movie, and therefore we [accommodated] him on the second movie. And on and on. And it created a monster.”
Although theX-Menfilms are, for the most, celebrated by fans for being one of the franchises to kick-start the wave of superhero films that continues to this day, some can’t look past their connection to Singer. In recent years, additional allegations of sexual assault- including from the actor cast as Pyro in the firstX-Menfilm - have made Singer an industry pariah and even resulted in hisRed Sonjaproject being shelved by Millennium Films.
However, others will continue to hold an affection for theX-Menfilms despite Singer’s involvement. Either way, theX-Menfranchise is expected to get a fresh start now that Marvel Studios controls the screen rights to the characters following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
