New images released of Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody

The photo is a recreation of Queen’s legendary performance at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium on 13th July 1985. The image depicts actors Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury), Ben Hardy (Roger Taylor), Joe Mazzello (John Deacon) and Gwilym Lee (Brian May) saluting the vast superimposed Wembley crowd from the hallowed the stage.

A second features Rami Malek and Gwilym Lee as Freddie and Brian respectively at a press launch for Queen’s 1982 album ‘Hot Space’.

As well as the images, 20th Century Fox have also issued a plot synopsis, which reads:

“Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their near-implosion as Mercury’s lifestyle spirals out of control, and their triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. In the process, cementing the legacy of a band that were always more like a family, and who continue to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.”

The path to the creation of the long-gestating Bohemian Rhapsody has been an extremely bumpy one.

Back September 2010, Sacha Baron Cohen was originally confirmed to play Freddie Mercury in the film but he dropped out in July 2013 citing “creative differences” between himself and the band. Dominic Cooper was later rumoured to play Freddie, however this never materialised.

Then last December, 20th Century Fox confirmed that director Bryan Singer had been sacked and he was being replaced by actor and director Dexter Fletcher.

In a newly released statement, Brian May said: “I'm thrilled with the way our Freddie film is shaping up. Much more than a documentary of someone's life, it's a piece of pure art, chiselled out of solid rock.

“It speaks of families and relationships and hopes and dreams, and heartache and disappointment, and ultimately of victory and fulfilment, in a way that everyone can connect to. It hasn't been an easy journey - but all the most worthwhile journeys are like that! Rami and Lucy and the boys give monumental performances - more than worthy of the originals !!”

Producer Graham King adds: “This film has been 8 years in the making but I truly believe that it’s been worth it because I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. The movie is a true celebration of Queen’s music and a tribute to one of the greatest frontmen of all time: Freddie Mercury. Breaking through stereotypes and expectations, Freddie dared to change everything – believing in himself and his music.

“He and the band reached unparalleled success and Freddie became one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet, cementing a legacy that continues to this very day. Their music is played in sports arenas, countless films and commercials, and is heard reverberating around nearly every local bar and pub around the world. They inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers. And behind the music was a man who simply connected with people in a way only a handful of performers have ever done.

“I’ve been lucky enough in my career to work with some of the greatest actors – Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, just to name a few. But the performance of Rami as Freddie rates up there with some of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Originally scheduled for release over the festive period, Bohemian Rhapsody will now hit cinemas across the UK on Friday 2nd November 2018.

The movie also stars Aidan Gillen (as John Reid), Mike Myers in an unspecified role, Tom Hollander (Jim Beach) and Ace Bhatti (Bomi Bulsara - Freddie's dad).