The saga of Freddie Mercury's theatrical biopic is almost as long and unyielding as the musician's life. Yet it continues, as reports now suggest Sacha Baron Cohen not only comes back to the project to play the Queen front-man, but will also write, produce and direct the upcoming film.
The news comes from Jim Beach, the band's manager, who announced this update at the Artist & Management Awards in London on Thursday night. The Daily Mail reported on Beach's comments.
"An important breakthrough is that we have now managed to persuade Sacha Baron Cohen to write, produce and direct this movie, and he has also agreed to star," Beach said.
Cohen or his team have yet to confirm this news. This is the first time the Borat star has been attached to the biopic since October 2013, when he and the band disagreed on both the approach of the biopic and how his comedy background would distract audiences. This was based on his last three performances at the time, The Dictator, Les Miserables and Hugo.
As reported even then, however, he's been passionate about the project and it would seem if he took this to be his directorial debut, in addition to his latest writing, producing and starring vehicle, he really wants to get it made. Based on the history of the project, however, that's to be determined in due time. If this is true, one must wonder both what changed and also how did Cohen go from the wrong choice for the star to the man who should not only play him, but call the shots as well?
In addition to Cohen, several actors and directors floated around or were attached to the film. Those would include Ben Whishaw, Dominic Cooper and Daniel Radcliffe to play Mercury and Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Dexter Fletcher (Sunshine on Leith), Stephen Frears (High Fidelity) and even David Fincher as directors.
While Cohen is unproven still as a filmmaker, he would most definitely make a great choice for Mercury, comedy background or not. He has the singing talents, he looks like Mercury, he's demonstrated his acting versatility several times by now and he can grow a killer mustache to boot. Hopefully he'll get the part.
In the meantime, however, Cohen next is seen in Grimsby and Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass next year on February 26, 2016 and May 27, 2016, respectively.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com