[read the full article after the jump]
According to reports, Cohen has left the project over creative differences. Apparently the remaining Queen band members—who have script and director approval—want the film to be a family-friendly PG flick, while Cohen has always intended for it to be a gritty R-rated tell-all biopic.
Deadline has reported that 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. Film is set at Sony Pictures and GK Films and Cohen has long been attached to play Mercury. But because of the dispute over ‘creative differences’ no formal offer could go out to Hooper who’d just worked with Sacha on Best Picture Oscar nominee Les Miserables. Graham King and Tim Headington are producing with Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal and Queen Films.
Having proven himself in his movies Borat, Bruno, as well as roles in movies like the recent Les Miserables, Sacha Baron Cohen would have been perfect for the role; not only do we have the physical resemblance, but the singing talent, and the acting chops as well to portray a wild, full-of-energy, full-of-color personality of Freddie Mercury.
Freddie Mercury's life deserves a cinematic portrayal because it was filled with drama. His wild flamboyant stage personality is most appealing to his fans. But behind closed doors, some time around 1987, Mercury was suffering from a serious illness. Mercury did not disclose his HIV status to the public for several years, and it was a pinful struggle which led to his life's end in 1991.
A day before his death, he was still able to release (via his manager) a public statement which says:
"Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors, and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue."
Perhaps the remaining members of Queen only wish to honor this privacy. Although we do curiously want to see a Freddie Mercury movie the way Cohen wanted it to be, we may also take into consideration the wishes of this legendary man who wishes to keep his privacy, even though perhaps that this message was made decades ago.
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