The first image of actor Rami Malek portraying late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the upcoming biopic Bohemian Rhapsody has been released, and it. is. stunning.
Malek was confirmed to play Mercury in July, and now the first image of the Mr. Robot star playing Mercury (below) has been published by Entertainment Weekly, on what would have been Mercury’s 71st birthday.
The photo shows Malek dressed in a singlet and jeans, pulling a very Freddie-esque pose. We may or may not have thought it was just an old photo of Freddie when we first saw it.
Image: Entertainment Weekly (Click to expand)
Speaking about the first time he had his hair and makeup done to portray Freddie, Malek tells Entertainment Weekly, “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.”
Malek clearly has a resemblance to Freddie, which he says “only adds to the level of confidence that one would need to play Freddie Mercury”.
The Bohemian Rhapsody biopic will reportedly include both recordings of Mercury’s voice, as well as Malek’s. “We’re going to use Freddie as much as possible and use myself as much as possible,” Malek says. “I’m in Abbey Road [Studios] right now if that should say anything to you. I’m not working on my acting.”
Last month it was revealed that Bohemian Rhapsody had started pre-production, and the actors who will portray the rest of the band were announced.
The film is being directed by Bryan Singer, and is set for release on 25th December 2018.
Meanwhile, Queen will return to Australia in 2018, for a headline tour with singer Adam Lambert.
