Moviefone Editorial

Tag: freddie mercury

  • Is Queen Really Hoping for a ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Sequel?

    Is Queen Really Hoping for a ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Sequel?

    BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
    20th Century Fox

    Is it true that a sequel to “Bohemian Rhapsody” is “being heavily discussed in the Queen family”?

    That’s what Queen music video director Rudi Dolezal told Page Six, adding, “I’m sure [Queen’s manager Jim Beach] plans a sequel that starts with Live Aid.”

    While that might make sense from a financial standpoint — the movie has so earned about $869.5 million — there appears to be no truth to this rumor.

    A publicist for producer Graham King, who spent years bringing “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the big screen, told Slashfilm talks of a sequel are not true.

    So we don’t have to wonder how a Queen biopic without Freddie Mercury (or Rami Malek, who won an Oscar for playing the flamboyant showman), would go.

    Enjoy the resurgence of the band’s music (just about every commercial on TV seems to be set to “Don’t Stop Me Now” or “I Want It All”), but don’t expect a second film.

    You can, however, still see them live. They’re touring with new frontman, Adam Lambert, who performed with the surviving band members at this year’s Oscars.

    [Via Slashfilm]

  • 2019 Golden Globes: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Wins Best Drama Movie, Rami Malek Wins Best Actor

    2019 Golden Globes: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Wins Best Drama Movie, Rami Malek Wins Best Actor

    bohemian rhapsody
    20th Century Fox

    “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the biopic chronicling the rise of Freddie Mercury and the band Queen, won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 2019 Golden Globes.

    The big win was preceded by Rami Malek winning Best Actor – Drama for his performance as Mercury.

    Malek thanked surviving Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, but saved his biggest praise for Mercury. “Thank you to Freddie Mercury for giving me the joy of a lifetime. I love you, you beautiful man. This is for and because of you, gorgeous.”

    In the acceptance speech for Best Drama Movie, executive producer Graham King made a special call-out to Malek for his “unbelievable” performance. Lastly, he said, “And finally to Freddie Mercury, thank you for showing us the power of embracing your true self.”

    Notably absent and unmentioned was initial director Bryan Singer, who departed the project under a cloud of rumors about poor behavior on set. He was replaced by Dexter Fletcher, though Singer still received the directing credit on the film.

  • Early ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Reviews Rapturous for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury

    Early ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Reviews Rapturous for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury

    bohemian rhapsody
    20th Century Fox

    “Bohemian Rhapsody” has screened for some lucky viewers, and so far the result is … mixed-to-great. Many fans LOVED it, but other critics were less impressed.

    One common thread in both rave and meh reviews is praise for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury.

    It is NOT easy to fill the late Queen frontman’s shoes, so near-universal praise for the “Mr. Robot” star’s performance certainly bodes well for awards season. But what about for box office performance, when the film is released on November 2?

    Here’s a taste of some of the first reviews/reactions:

    https://twitter.com/nightandgray/status/1046970887835148289

    https://twitter.com/DinoRay/status/1048785918016991233

    https://twitter.com/eliza_machado5/status/1047284170672754688

    https://twitter.com/davidehrlich/status/1049116783007948800

    What do you think? Intrigued? Ready for tickets? Ready to pass?

    “Bohemian Rhapsody” — co-starring Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Allen Leech and directed by (deep sigh) Bryan Singer — opens in theaters November 2.

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  • Rami Malek Writes ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in First Queen Biopic Trailer

    At long last, Queen fans can feast their eyes — and ears — on the first trailer for biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” featuring Rami Malek‘s take on iconic frontman Freddie Mercury, and the creation of the titular tune.

    The trailer is basically Queen and Mercury personified: big, loud, over-the-top, and insanely entertaining. Many of the film’s major musical sequences were shot as if they were taken from an actual concert, and that energy is palpable, especially when coupled with Mercury’s/Malek’s soaring vocals (the actor did some of his own singing, in addition to using existing Mercury recordings) and flamboyant stage theatrics.

    We already knew that Malek was the perfect visual fit for the late singer, but this clip proves that he’s truly the best man to embody Mercury’s spirit, imbuing the part with the frontman’s signature swagger and winking charm. One scene focused on Queen laying down the recording for “Bohemian Rhapsody” features guitarist Brian May (Gwilym Lee) playing the song’s signature melody, then asking Mercury what’s next.

    “This is when the operatic section comes in,” Mercury cheerfully declares.

    “Oh. The operatic section. Yeah,” a bemused May replies.

    That offbeat choice is just a microcosm of what the band would bring to music, and a good indication of what kind of behind the scenes details the film will offer fans. We can’t wait to see more.

    “Bohemian Rhapsody” will rock you in theaters on November 2.

  • New ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Set Photo Proves Rami Malek Was Born to Play Freddie Mercury

    Bohemian Rhapsody†Rami MalekIt’s tough to imagine anyone being able to adequately portray Freddie Mercury, the late Queen frontman with the iconic voice and flamboyant personality to match. But it looks like Rami Malek, who’s playing Mercury in upcoming biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is doing a pretty great job so far.

    A new set photo of Malek in character, taken by director Bryan Singer, has surfaced online, and like the first promo photo from the flick, it’s a pretty convincing portrait of the actor transforming himself into the musician. The snap, which Singer posted to Instagram, features Malek rocking out mid-performance, one arm outstretched while he strikes a very Mercury pose.

    Couldn’t help myself and had to post this iPhone pic

    A post shared by Bryan Singer (@bryanjaysinger) on

    It truly is an uncanny resemblance, something Malek noticed, too, after he first saw himself in hair and makeup.

    “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,” the actor previously told Entertainment Weekly.

    It looks like accuracy is extremely important to the production (those red leather pants Malek is sporting are taken straight from a Queen European tour), and Singer hasn’t been shy about sharing some behind the scenes snaps while shooting. We’re looking forward to getting some more sneak peeks from the director while we wait for the film to hit theaters.

    “Bohemian Rhapsody” is slated for release on December 25, 2018.

    [via: Bryan Singer/Instagram]

  • Rami Malek to Play Freddie Mercury in Queen Biopic, Bryan Singer to Direct: Report

    68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ShowThe long-gestating biopic about rock band Queen got a major boost this past weekend, with a new report suggesting that the flick has secured a high-profile pair to star and direct.

    According to Deadline, “Mr. Robot” star Rami Malek is set to play frontman Freddie Mercury, and “X-Men” director Bryan Singer will helm the flick, titled “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The project recently moved from studio Sony to 20th Century Fox and New Regency, and Deadline reports that it’s “on the fast track,” with producers hoping to start filming sometime in early 2017.

    Malek and Singer’s involvement is a big step forward for the project, which has been in development for eight years with various stars and directors attached at one time or another. The biggest name associated with the project in recent years was Sacha Baron Cohen, who was to play Mercury until clashes with surviving Queen bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor over the story prompted him to exit the production. Ben Whishaw was the latest actor linked to the Mercury role, but he, too, left over creative differences.

    May and Taylor are still on board the project under the new Malek-Singer team, and will serve as music producers on the flick. Writer Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”) will pen the screenplay.

    Deadline notes that the creative team behind the film, which includes producer Graham King and his GK Films banner, as well as the Fox-New Regency partnership, has a history of Oscar success (King took home a trophy for producing “The Departed,” while Fox and New Regency cleaned up with high-profile wins for “12 Years a Slave,” “Birdman,” and The Revenant”), and the Queen flick could be courting similar awards attention. Malek already has an Emmy under his belt thanks to his buzzy “Mr. Robot” performance; could an Oscar be next?

    First we’ll have to see if this long-troubled project can actually get off the ground. Stay tuned.

    [via: Deadline]

    Photo credit: Getty Images