Bruno star for Freddie Mercuryrole

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Matt Akersten

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Fri 17th Sep, 2010 in International News

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Sacha Baron Cohen, the man who gave the world outrageous characters Bruno and Borat, is set to become legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a new biopic.

The film, scheduled to begin filming next year, will cover Queen’s formative years, leading up to the band’s renowned Live Aid show in 1985.

Mercury never spoke publicly about his sexuality but had long-term relationships with both men and women at the height of his fame. He died of complications caused by AIDS in 1991.

Baron Cohen’s previous film roles as Kazakhstani ambassador Borat and gay Austrian TV host Bruno has courted controversy with their on-the-edge satire and use of real people in embarrassing scenes.

See Same Same’s favourite Freddie Mercury video appearance below.

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Peteinoz

Peteinoz said on the 18th Sep, 2010

TERRIBLE choice.

zebra-stripes said on the 18th Sep, 2010

I can sort of see it

But he's not really an actor, is he

If he plays it for laughs I think we have a right to issue a gay Fatwā

TheOldie

TheOldie said on the 18th Sep, 2010

At first I thought what ????????????//

but like Zebra can sort of seeing Freddie in him.

If he plays it for laughs then he is dead meat.

randomdart

randomdart said on the 18th Sep, 2010

i've seen sacha baron cohen play things seriously and he's actually REALLY good.

I can totally see this. Especially since he can also sing and he has brilliant stage presence. He'll never be Freddy, but I reckon he's the closest actor to it, and the best for this role.

Peteinoz

Peteinoz said on the 18th Sep, 2010

Well he played Bruno for laughs and that wasn't funny, so maybe he'd do alright playing Freddy for laughs too. Main disparities I can see are: Freddy was talented, and SBC is a good 6 inches taller than Freddy was. Allow me to clarify my original summation by adding that he's a RIDICULOUS choice as well as a terrible one.

Peteinoz

Peteinoz said on the 18th Sep, 2010

Had to laugh at the bit about Boral though. Didn't realise Sacha Baron Cohen once played a building materials company. ;)

TheOldie

TheOldie said on the 18th Sep, 2010

$20 says you're wrong :)

coast_boy_21 said on the 18th Sep, 2010

In Hollywood, casting rumors float around every day. Well, "Another One Bites the Dust."

Reports that "Borat" star Sacha Baron Cohen will play legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a musical biopic are "absolutely untrue," the actor's publicist told MTV News.

An unidentified source told Britain's Daily Mirror that "filmmakers are working flat out to get the best possible script. Sacha loves the idea he can get away with playing Freddie after modeling Borat's look on him."

Sacha Baron Cohen's next project is Tim Burton's musical "Sweeney Todd," alongside Johnny Depp.

Personally If they choose to make a movie on Freddie Mercury, I would prefer Mika to play the role of Freddie Mercury.

randomdart

randomdart said on the 18th Sep, 2010

how old is that press release? because "Sacha Baron Cohen's next project is Tim Burton's musical "Sweeney Todd," alongside Johnny Depp." makes it seem pretty old. I would guess that is from many eons ago when the biopic was just a rumour, as what I have read says he has "signed on".

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16107100?source=most_viewed
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Biopic-on-popstar-Freddie-Mercury/Article1-601671.aspx
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2010/09/17/2010-09-17_sacha_baron_cohen_inks_deal_to_play_queen_singer_freddie_mercury.html

^see.

Barrin said on the 18th Sep, 2010

Not a fan of SBC but I wouldn't underestimate his talent. I thought he was the best casting choice in Sweeney Todd.
http://www.spike.com/video/sweeney-todd-demon/2915878

Bon91

Bon91 said on the 19th Sep, 2010

i've seen sacha baron cohen play things seriously and he's actually REALLY good.

I can totally see this. Especially since he can also sing and he has brilliant stage presence. He'll never be Freddy, but I reckon he's the closest actor to it, and the best for this role.

I agree.

dracon388

dracon388 said on the 20th Sep, 2010

He did amazingly in Sweeny Todd - and some other serious roles - I think he could work it :)