Freddie Mercury is undeniably one of the most celebrated singers in the history of rock music. In 2018, Mercury’s biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody was released. Needless to say, the film was a great hit and it became the highest-grossing biographical film of all time. Although the film was highly acclaimed, little do the fans know about the preproduction controversy related to its casting.
Since Mercury was a prominent figure it was crucial to cast an actor who could do justice to the role. Initially, actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen was considered for the role of Mercury, but, due to creative differences, he moved out of the project. There was one more contender who was considered by the band members for the role of Mercury. Nevertheless, the role ultimately went to Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek.
Sacha Baron Cohen left an iconic project due to creative differences
The 2018 biographical film, Bohemian Rhapsody is an iconic film that will be remembered for generations. Based on Freddie Mercury’s life, the film focused on his musical journey as the foreman of the iconic rock band Queen. Since it focused on a renowned legend it was essential to cast a perfect fit for the role.
Initially, actor Sacha Baron Cohen was considered for the role, but due to the creative differences between him and the band members, he exited from the project. During a conversation with US radio host Howard Stern, the actor revealed the reason for stepping away from the project.
The actor claimed that he was excited to be a part of the film and portray Mercury, but his notion with the rest of the band members didn’t align. Baron Cohen said,
“A member of the band – I won’t say who – said: ‘You know, this is such a great movie because it’s got such an amazing thing that happens in the middle.’”
Cohen got intrigued and asked about Act Two of the film, to which the band member responded by saying,
“You know, Freddie dies. We see how the band carries on from strength to strength.”
Cohen condemned this notion as he believed that no one would watch the film if its main focus was not on the protagonist. He said,
“I said: ‘Listen, not one person is going to see a movie where the lead character dies from Aids and then you see how the band carries on.’’
Cohen wanted the film to focus more on Mercury’s life, but Queen’s band members suggested otherwise. Interestingly, Cohen’s claims were declared to be false by Queen’s band member Brian May, who criticized him for spreading rumors.
Sacha Baron Cohen was criticized by Brian May for allegedly spreading false rumors
During an interview with Daily Mail, Queen guitarist Brian May claimed that what Sacha Baron Cohen said about the project was untrue. May said,
“Sacha became an arse. We had some nice times with Sacha kicking around ideas but he went off and told untruths about what happened. Why would he go away and say that we didn’t want to make a gritty film?
Are we the kind of people who have ever ducked from the truth? I don’t think so. We decided he wasn’t right for the role for very good reasons, which will become apparent if you watch what he’s done recently.”
The guitarist further said that the band members were considering Ben Whishaw to portray Mercury’s character. Whishaw is popularly known for playing Q in James Bond films alongside Daniel Craig. However, the role of Mercury eventually went to another James Bond actor, Rami Malek.
Source: Daily Mail
