After languishing in development for several years, theQueen biopicnow entitledBohemian Rhapsodyis finally moving forward.Mr. RobotstarRami Malekhas signed on to play the iconicQueenfront manFreddie Mercury, withBryan Singerentering negotiations to direct. 20th Century Fox and New Regency have now picked up the project, withGraham King’s GK Films producing, putting it on the fast track to production.
Deadlinereports thatAnthony McCarten(The Theory Of Everything) wrote the latest version of the screenplay, which has seen several incarnations over the years. The project was originally set up at Sony Pictures withSacha Baron Cohenoriginally set to play Freddie Mercury. He had been attached to star as Freddie Mercury for six years, before leaving the project in 2013.
There was also a version of this story in the works withBen Whishawset to play Freddie Mercury, andDexter Fletcher(Eddie the Eagle) set to direct, but that never moved forward. Oddly enough,Queen’s manager revealed last March thatSacha Baron Cohenwas not only coming back to star, but he has also agreed to write, direct and produce thebiopic, but it seemed that never happened either. WithBryan Singerin talks to direct, 20th Century Fox and New Regency are hoping to start filming in early 2017.
No details were given aboutAnthony McCarten’s version of the script, or how it has changed from the previous incarnations.Sacha Baron Cohenrevealed in interviews that he left the project because he wanted to make an R-rated movie that explored the singer’s homosexual lifestyle, but the band wanted to make a family-friendly tale. OriginalQueenmembersBrian MayandRoger Taylorare still involved in the project, serving as music producers.
Graham Kingwill produce under his GK Films banner along withQueen’s manager,Jim Beach.Bryan Singermost recently directed the superhero sequelX-Men: Apocalypsebefore taking on thisQueen biopic. He is also developing20,000 Leagues Under the Seafor 20th Century Fox, but it isn’t clear when that may move forward. Aside fromThe Theory of Everything,Anthony McCartenhas written directorJoe Wright’s upcomingDarkest Hour, starringGary Oldman, and a pair of films for directorJustin Kurzel,The SiegeandHaven.Rami Malek, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Elliot Alderson on USA’sMr. Robot, is currently filming thePapillonremake alongsideCharlie Hunnam. Hopefully we’ll find out Rhapsodyin the very near future.
