Sacha Baron Cohen to Play Queen's Freddie Mercury

[underpants]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/205562


Sacha Baron Cohen, the man behind Borat and Bruno, will take on some serious fare when he stars in the role of Queen's Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic. The as-yet-untitled film will track Mercury's career from the beginnings of Queen to their performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. (Deadline reports that Mercury's final years and AIDS-related death in 1991 won't be part of the film.) No director has been hired yet, but the script will be written by Peter Morgan, who scripted the acclaimed Frost/Nixon and The Last King of Scotland. Queen's site and GK Films, which won the rights to use Queen's music, and say that the film will start production in 2011.

It's unknown whether Cohen will attempt to replicate Mercury's vocals or if the original tracks will be used. ...."Freddie Mercury was an awe-inspiring performer, so with Sacha in the starring role, coupled with Peter's screenplay and the support of Queen, we have the perfect combination to tell the real story behind their success."

[nolabear]

1. If he does it right it could be brilliant. If not, he'd better have a good place to hide.

Mercury's not a subject to be taken lightly.

[Lex]

2. My thinking exactly. nt

[Lex]

3. delete/double posted

[Lindsey]

4. I actually think it's a really good choice. We'll see. n/t

[Amerigo Vespucci]

5. Yep, that pivotal "if"

The first thing that comes to mind is that Freddie DID NOT WANT TO BE PITIED...so if he's played as a "tragic figure," the people behind the film might as well shitcan it right now.

He did what he did...he enjoyed himself...he was creative, original, and maybe not every mother's idea of a role model.

If he's portrayed as anything less than that, Freddie's been cheated, and so are the people who view the film.

It should NOT be a 2-hour public service message on AIDS. Find another fucking poster child. Leave Freddie's legacy ALONE.

[AlecBGreen]

11. +1

[LostinVA]

6. +1

[Bucky]

7. This could be Cohen's "Chaplin"

Of course it could also be his "Mommy Dearest". I think not taking the story out to his death is not a good sign.

[stuntcat]

8. I hope it's good

It kinda scares me :scared:

[RainDog]

9. when he plays the role, I wonder if he'll be...

under pressure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOOwNS2qk0

(why yes, what a great thread to post favorite Queen songs!)

[Shell Beau]

10. This will be interesting to see. I am a huge fan of Mercury so

I hope he pulls it off. He seems like he could because he goes all out for his acting parts. I wonder about the vocals though. Freddie had some mad skills. Not sure about Cohen's singing ability. I will be happy to watch this though.