Bryan Singer Makes Comeback with Controversial Lebanon Drama After 8-Year Hollywood Hiatus

After being away from Hollywood for eight years, director Bryan Singer is returning with a new film that is already stirring conversation. The “Superman Returns” director, who hasn’t worked on a major Hollywood project since 2017, has quietly finished a period drama starring Oscar winner Jon Voight.

The film was shot in Greece in 2023, and Israeli filmmaker Yariv Horovoitz, known for “Rock the Kasbah,” is also involved.

The story is set in the Middle East during the late 1970s or early 1980s, a period when Israel occupied Lebanon.

A source who has seen the finished movie but is not part of the production said, “It’s a really well made film with awards-season potential,” but warned it could spark controversy. The source added, “It makes Israel look really bad and could be polarizing.” Another source familiar with the project said the plot follows an architect searching for redemption.

Singer is no stranger to big successes. His films, including four “X-Men” movies, have earned billions for studios like 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. His work has also helped actors win Oscars, such as Kevin Spacey and Christopher McQuarrie for “The Usual Suspects.”

Even with his commercial appeal, Singer’s career has been complicated by serious allegations.

Since 1997, Singer has faced multiple claims of sexual misconduct, including a civil lawsuit from two teenage boys who said he made them strip for a scene in his film “Apt Pupil.” Additional claims followed over the years, though he has never faced criminal charges and has denied all wrongdoing.

Singer’s troubles came to a head in 2017 when he was fired from “Bohemian Rhapsody” during filming. Fox cited absences and chaotic working conditions as the reasons for his dismissal.

Reports suggest that similar problems occurred on sets of other movies he directed, including the “X-Men” franchise. This firing, combined with widespread reporting on past allegations, effectively sidelined Singer from mainstream Hollywood for nearly a decade.

During his time away, Singer tried to return to filmmaking with a remake of the 1980s action movie “Red Sonja” for Millennium Films.

The studio initially backed him, but the project fell through when a domestic distributor could not be found. Singer eventually moved to Israel and has been working independently, without an agent, while pitching other projects to investors.

As for his latest film, a source says a domestic distribution deal is close, but international sales may wait until the upcoming Toronto Film Festival market. Variety previously reported that Singer has been planning several films set in Israel, showing that he is attempting a full return to the industry despite past controversies.

Singer’s comeback is notable both for the content of his new film and for his return to filmmaking after years in the shadows. With a high-profile actor like Jon Voight attached and a potentially controversial story, the movie could attract attention both for awards and debate.

In my opinion, it will be interesting to see how the public reacts to Singer’s return. The combination of his talent, past allegations, and a politically charged story makes this a very tricky comeback. What do you think about Bryan Singer returning to Hollywood and tackling such a sensitive topic? Share your thoughts in the comments.