UPDATE: Looks like Queen’s manager was joking around and this whole story is grade-A bunk. I’m keeping the story up, because maybe keeping this out in the universe can make it come true.
Everyone’s favorite fake Kazakh, Sacha Baron Cohen, had been attached to a biopic of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury for what seemed like forever. Around two years ago, the project looked like it was cancelled due to Cohen and the remaining members of Queen disagreeing about the kind of film that Cohen was wanting to make (Cohen would be writing, starring, and directing). Well, according to Metro, those differences have been resolved, and Cohen is back on the film.
This is obviously a project Cohen has a lot of passion for, and besides looking the part, the guy is really an underrated actor. This could be the role that sets him up as more than just a comedic persona. If the film does get made, there will be a lot of heat on it. Queen is one of the greatest bands of all time, and its legendary frontman deserves more than just your run-of-the-mill hagiography. I have nothing but faith in Cohen, and I hope we get to see this project sooner rather than later. It’s scheduled to be the next project for Cohen after completing work on the upcoming Grimsby.
Thanks to Chewer Chaz for the heads up on this piece!