It sounds like Queen has completely ruined the Freddie Mercury biopic
The band Queen has finally announced the production of a long-rumoured biopic based on lead singer Freddie Mercury, but the project doesn’t sound like what we were expecting.
The band today officially announced a long-rumoured film based on the life of the singer, who became the most famous victim of the AIDS crisis when he died in 1990.
It was confirmed today that X-Men director Bryan Singer has signed on to helm the project, while Rami Malek will star as Freddie Mercury.
However, it sounds like those hoping for a realistic take on Mercury’s life will be disappointed, as Mercury’s bandmates have taken creative control of the project, now titled ‘Bohemian Rhapsody The Film’.
Queen fans will remember that Sacha Baron Cohen, who was previously signed on to star in the film, had dramatically quit and lashed out at the band for micromanaging the project.
The Borat star reportedly clashed with Brian May and Roger Taylor over the tone of the film, and their desire for it to focus on the story of the band instead of a gritty, honest account of Mercury’s life, struggle with HIV/AIDS, and death.
Today’s announcement, on Queen blog Queen Online, confirmed the film will “recreate the fabulous Queen years which brought us such unforgettable moments as Live Aid”.
It does not mention Mercury’s personal life at all.
Brian May and Roger Taylor are signed on as executive producers for the new film.
The pair told the blog: “Rami has great presence and he’s utterly dedicated to the project. He’s completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is wonderful.”
The band said: “Yes folks, it IS finally happening. Award winning director Bryan Singer is the man who will be bringing the Queen and Freddie story alive.
“If you’ve ever seen Singer’s X-Men films, or the groundbreaking movie The Usual Suspects, you’ll know this is a director with extraordinary imagination and style. A perfect choice to recreate the fabulous Queen years which brought us such unforgettable moments as Live Aid, which we can reveal will be faithfully recreated for a key sequence the film. More on that very soon.
“Rami Malek has signed up to take on the challenging role of Freddie Mercury. Who could imagine a more perfect fit than this brilliant actor ? At this stage you probably know him best for TV’s Mr Robot.
“The blog adds: “QOL can also confirm that the film is now ‘as-close-as-that’ to start of shooting. Pre-production begins next week in the UK to prepare for start of principal photography in around London as soon as mid-September.
“You are probably wondering, who will play Roger, Brian and John??? That, friends, is news for another day.”
