Following Joss Whedon’s announcement that he would be exiting his HBO-developed series The Nevers, Justice League actor Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg in the film and has leveled heavy accusations of unprofessional conduct against the director in recent months, shared his own personal observation as to why the Buffy creator left his upcoming show.
Whedon claimed in a statement that”physical challenges” during a trying year plagued by COVID-19 were the reasons for his departure, stating that “the level of commitment required moving forward, combined with the physical challenges of making such a huge show during a global pandemic, is more than I can handle without the work beginning to suffer.”
However, following the statement’s publication, Fisher tweeted to the contrary, conversely claiming that the departure was actually related to the ongoing investigation into Fisher’s accusations of misconduct against Whedon, which on the set of Justice League after the director took over the project from Zack Snyder in order to complete extensive reshoots.
Fisher wrote he has no intention of letting Whedon get away with making excuses when, in Fisher’s estimation, the director is feeling the pressure of the investigation that’s been underway for the past three weeks.
“I have no intention of allowing Joss Whedon to use the old Hollywood tactic of ‘exiting’, ‘stepping down’, or ‘walking away’ to cover for his terrible behavior,” the actor posted. “WarnerMedia’s JL investigation has been in full swing for over 3 weeks now. This is undoubtedly a result of it. A>E.”
I have no intention of allowing Joss Whedon to use the old Hollywood tactic of “exiting”, “stepping down”, or “walking away” to cover for his terrible behavior.
WarnerMedia’s JL investigation has been in full swing for over 3 weeks now.
This is undoubtedly a result of it.
— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) November 26, 2020
Earlier this year, Fisher alleged that not only had Joss Whedon acted “gross, abusive, [and] unprofessional” while finishing Justice League, but also that the director’s behavior was enabled by producer Jon Berg and then-DC Entertainment President Geoff Johns, who is rumored, on a related note, to have brought Whedon in himself.
Fisher also accused Johns of threatening his career during an office meeting, in response, the actor believes, to his “attempts to take grievances up the proper chain of command.”
Related Report: Ray Fisher Mad Over Low-Ball Offer of Cameo for Cyborg in The Flash
At the time of the initial accusations, WarnerMedia launched an investigation into these accusations, much to the elation of Fisher. Unfortunately, it didn’t go in his favor, at least for a bit, as Warner Bros. reps claimed Fisher failed to present any proof of misconduct and reported that the actor was not cooperating with the investigation, with Fisher allegedly going so far as to abruptly hang-up on a Zoom call.
In response to Warner Bros.’ claims, Fisher tweeted that Warner was “desperate” in their “scattershot attempt to discredit me and protect people in power” and provided a screenshot of an email sent to both his legal representation and the SAG-AFTRA union.
Fisher’s email detailed his belief that the investigator was hired by WB Pictures, not the parent company as originally requested, and that they would muddy the investigation process by delivering their findings straight to the film division.
Additionally, Fisher accused “another person” of being on the line during his conversation with the investigator, noting that he and his legal team “weren’t made aware of” this surprise witness and explaining that this deception led the actor to end his call early and, in order to play it safe, request that an additional member of his own team join the follow-up call.
Related Rumor: Cyborg Actor Ray Fisher Wants Changes Made to Script for The Flash Film
This incident came after Fisher asserted DC Films head Walter Hamada tried to get him to relent on Johns while throwing Berg and Whedon under the bus, a charge that came with speculation Fisher was having creative conflicts with the studio regarding the script for, and more specifically Cyborg’s place in, The Flash.
Despite a global pandemic and the ongoing investigation, 2020 has been kind to Justice League, as Zach Snyder’s cut of the film is finally getting its chance to be seen when it releases on HBO max next year. Given that the Snyder Cut’s premiere will undoubtedly renew interest in the franchise, Warner Bros. will surely wish to capitalize on Cyborg’s character, though this ongoing investigation may have an impact on any potential future the character may have.
What do you make of Fisher’s latest accusation? Let us know your opinion on social media or in the comments down below!