Back in 2010, it was announced that star of films Borat and Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen was cast to play glam rock icon Freddie Mercury in an untitled-as-of-yet Queen biopic. Now, a source reveals that due to artistic disareement, Cohen has since backed out of the project. “Cohen had brought in Peter Morgan to write and various directors including David Fincher and Tom Hooper to develop the project for himself. However, none were approved by the band.” According to the source, Cohen had visions of a visceral, R-rated dramatization, while Queen band members were envisioning something more on the PG/family side.
Before his departure, Cohen has brought in Peter Morgan as a writer, whose previous screenplays include: The Last King of Scotland, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Frost/Nixon, among others. Perhaps Cohen‘s creative vision for the portrayal of the late talented gay performer hit too close to home for the band. He also does bear an uncanny resemblance to the legend. Only time will tell what direction the producers will decide to go with the project; will they work things out with Cohen? Or will they cast a new actor for the role?