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US TV actor and multiple award-winner Rami Malek (he recently picked up an EMMY for his role as neurotic cyber hacker Elliot Anderson in hit TV series Mr. Robot, where he stars alongside Christian Slater) has been cast as rock band Queen’s singer Freddie Mercury for the much-hyped and eight years in the making biopic of the late performers life and career.
The film is said to be entitled ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (after the much loved and very often sung and head-banged too, legendary track by the UK rockers).
It may have taken eight years, but the project is now evidently well under way and with a leading man signed on the work can now begin in earnest.
Shooting is planned to kick-off in early 2017 and it is rumoured that X-Men director Bryan Singer has been in talks to spearhead the project.
Ali G and Borat star Sasha Baron Cohen was attached to the role of Mercury for a while, but he left it stating that a member of the band Queen (Roger Taylor and Brian May will act as producers) had different opinions on the story to be told than he did.
Cohen wanted to put the emphasis on Freddie’s death, whilst the band member wanted it (the biopic) to focus on the band’s legacy.
Many thought the project was dead in the water and the story of Queen and its legendary vocalist would never see the light of day.
This announcement is great news for fans of the UK band across the globe and it will be fully endorsed by original group members.
Having a highly regarded actor such as Malek on board may well elevate its potential further.
Queen are one of the most well-respected rock bands to have hailed from the UK and created some of the most iconic hit singles and albums of all time.
Their songs are featured in films, TV shows, adverts and are constantly on the radio.
However the story of Freddie and his influence on Queen have been less mentioned and this is the opportunity for the team involved to do it.
Mercury was a great loss to the music community when he succumbed to Aids related issues.
Queen have continued in various forms, Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert both taking to the mic. But fans will always want to see Mercury there with the style and grace he could only achieve.
Rami Malek could well be the man to tell his tale.
