See the first photo of Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Queen biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
The first official photo of actor Rami Malek portraying Freddie Mercury in the upcoming Queen biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' has been released.
In the image shared by Brian May, the 36-year-old American actor can be seen throwing an iconic Freddie pose in a recreation of Queen’s legendary performance at Live Aid at London’s Wembley Stadium on 13th July 1985.
Rami said of his transformation to EW.com: “When you’re able to open your eyes and see a different person staring back at you in the mirror, it’s a very affirming moment.”
> And here for comparison is Freddie himself - right ? Wrong. This is Rami revving up for the performance of his life. The whole thing is truly breathtaking now the production is taking shape. It feels like a rocket taking off. Shooting begins Friday. Bri > > A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Sep 5, 2017 at 6:29pm PDT
Directed by X-Men director Bryan Singer, filming on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ began in London this month.
The long-gestating film tells the story from Queen’s embryonic days in 1970 through to arguably their defining set at Live Aid, six years before Freddie’s untimely death. Roger and Brian serve as executive producers on the movie.
Following Rami's unveiling earlier this year, actors Ben Hardy (as Roger Taylor), Joe Mazzello (John Deacon) and Gwilym Lee (Brian May) were recently cast as Queen’s other members.
In the early hours of this morning, Brian May took to Instagram to share an image of all four actors, writing: “These great guys are already living and breathing their roles as us in our youthful prime.”
> The Bo Rhap Boys !!!! Or you could maybe call them the New Queen ? These great guys are already living and breathing their roles as us in our youthful prime. Left to Right: Joe Mazzello as JD, Gwilym Lee as BM, Ben Hardy as RT, Rami Malek as FM. Honoured ! Bri > > A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Sep 5, 2017 at 8:40pm PDT
> And here's a great moment for me - meeting the fine actor who is playing me, the Young Bri, in the Movie - Gwilym Lee. This was our very first moment together three weeks ago - but I had to sit on this picture until the announcement was made. Today we spent some quality time connecting - talking guitars and philosophy ! And actually throwing some licks around ! Amazing times. Bri > > A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Sep 5, 2017 at 6:40pm PDT
Heaping praise on Rami Malek, the band wrote: “Rami has great presence and he’s utterly dedicated to the project. He’s completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is wonderful.”
They added of Bryan Singer: “(Bryan is) 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.”
Way back in 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.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is set for release in December 2018 and is being produced by 20th Century Fox.
> LOOK !!! LIVE AID LIVES AGAIN !! It's a Miracle ! IG'd by @bryanjaysinger for Bohemian Rhapsody the Movie !!! We are ON ! #queenwillrock #bohemianrhapsodythemovie #liveaid - Bri > > A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Aug 29, 2017 at 5:38pm PDT