Queen have cast Ben Whishaw (above) as Freddie Mercury in the forthcoming biopic about the music icon, according to Deadline.
Whishaw played Q in the 2012 James Bond film, “Skyfall”, appeared in “Cloud Atlas”, played Keith Richards in a 2005 film about Brian Jones titled “Stoned”, and was one of six actors who depicted a version of Bob Dylan in the 2007 movie “I'm Not There.”
Whishaw comes into the project following news over the summer that original lead, Sacha Baron Cohen, had quit the film over creative differences with Queen. The band reportedly want to make more of a PG movie while Cohen was counting on a gritty R-rated tell-all centered around the iconic gay singer.
British actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher will direct the film, which will tell the formative coming-of-age story of the group, culminating in Queen headlining Live Aid in 1985, where their performance is considered one of rock’s all-time great concert appearances.
Mercury died November 24, 1991, of complications from AIDS, and while his death helped to remove the stigma of AIDS sufferers prevalent at that time and particularly in the rock music industry, Mercury’s last days won’t be the subject of the film.
The project has the cooperation of Mercury's estate and the three surviving members of Queen. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor will oversee the musical content of the film, which will feature both original Queen music and Mercury solo material.
See also:
Queen launch The Studio Experience exhibition
Queen sign new deal with Universal Music
Queen discover more unreleased Freddie Mercury material
Queen: Freddie Mercury documentary wins International Emmy Award
Queen drummer Roger Taylor releases Sunny Day video
Queen drummer streams Fun On Earth bonus track
Queen to release limited edition 6 DVD box set
Queen: Hungarian Rhapsody wins Bronze Box Office Award
Queen guitarist shares Freddie Mercury film update
Queen: Roger Taylor to release new album and solo catalog
Queen: Freddie Mercury documentary earns Emmy nomination
Queen guitarist hints at new album with unreleased Freddie Mercury tracks
Queen: Schools Will Rock You comes to North America
Queen team with Angry Birds for Freddie For A Day 2013
Queen announce AIDS Benefit in support of The Mercury Phoenix Trust
VIDEO: Queen preview Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert DVD
Queen guitarist Brian May undergoes knee replacement surgery
Queen drummer finishes first solo album in 15 years
Queen: Freddie Mercury’s duets with Michael Jackson to be released
Queen: Sacha Baron Cohen quits Freddie Mercury biopic
Queen: Freddie Mercury gorilla returns to Norwich after facelift
Queen: Freddie Mercury gorilla art update
Queen guitarist enters Freddie Mercury gorilla art controversy
Queen: Freddie Mercury gorilla art removed over copyright issues
Queen: Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert reissue due this fall
Queen: Limited-edition Icon collection due next week
Queen guitarist slams The Voice
Queen: The Queen Chronology book now available
“Queen On Fire: Live At The Bowl” DVD reissue due next month
Black Sabbath and Queen guitarists discuss possible collaboration
Queen musical We Will Rock You to launch North American tour
Queen honored with PRS For Music Heritage Award
Black Sabbath and Queen guitarists to team up for album
Queen: Live At Wembley Stadium 25th anniversary edition reissue coming
Queen: New owner reveals plans for Freddie Mercury’s Rolls Royce
Queen: Freddie Mercury’s Rolls Royce sets record at auction
Queen: Freddie Mercury’s 1974 Rolls Royce up for auction
Queen releases 40 Years Of Queen ebook
Rock News Artist Of The Year #10: QUEEN
Queen announce Queen Extravaganza North American tour
Queen drummer Roger Taylor to release solo album
Queen provide update on Freddie Mercury film
Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live In Budapest DVD due next month
Led Zeppelin, Queen & Iron Maiden members rock Sunflower Jam
Queen’s Freddie Mercury becomes an Angry Bird
VIDEO: Queen rock the Olympics finale
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody voted UK’s favorite #1 single
Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender coming to DVD this fall
VIDEO: Queen + Adam Lambert – Watch complete Kiev concert
VIDEO: The Queen Extravaganza opens tour in Quebec City
Freddie Mercury to appear in Queen show next week
Queen and Adam Lambert announce third London show
VIDEO: Queen rock second night of American Idol
VIDEO: American Idol’s Top 6 perform Queen classics
VIDEO: Queen rock American Idol
VIDEO: Queen Extravaganza promo
Queen returning to rock American Idol
Queen to play four shows with Adam Lambert
Queen top UK’s best-selling albums of all time
VIRAL VIDEO: Drunken man sings Queen classic in police cruiser
VIDEO: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody featured in new TV commercial
VIDEO: Blue Oyster Cult guitarist covers Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody by himself
