| Marknow 11.09.2010 18:20 |
Edit 17/09/10 Movie is now confirmed, source Brianmay.com link ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Taken from link IT is the rock ’n’ roll biopic that Hollywood has been desperate to make for years. Now it finally looks as though the story of singer Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary life is about to hit the big screen after producers won over the surviving members of Queen. Only now have guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor, bassist John Deacon and manager Jim Beach relented and allowed the band’s music to be used in a movie about Freddie. A source close to the project revealed: “As yet, the film hasn’t even got a title, but Hollywood has been flinging money at the band for years wanting to do a film about Freddie. “You couldn’t do it without the music, however, and up until now they have always said no.” Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, grew up to be the flamboyant front-man of one of the greatest stadium rock bands in history. Queen’s breakthrough came in 1974, with the single The Seven Seas of Rhye. They went on to notch up 18 No 1 singles, including their ground breaking pop mini-operetta Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, I Want To Break Free, Killer Queen, Somebody To Love and It’s A Kind Of Magic. They also sold 300 million albums, with 18 reaching No 1. Mercury later admitted being gay, although he had a string of affairs with men and women first. By the time of Sir Bob Geldof’s Live Aid fund-raiser at Wembley Stadium in 1985, Mercury was on top of his game. Three years later rumours began about his health because of his dramatic weight-loss. He only revealed that he had Aids in November 1991, the day before he died. The script is set to be written by Peter Morgan (The Queen and Frost/Nixon). The source added: “It is hoped to be released at the end of next year, 20th anniversary of Freddie’s death. The budget is huge. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Edit 17/09/10 More news from across the pond hope this aint true! Taken from link EXCLUSIVE: Whether it's Marvin Gaye, Janis Joplin, Phil Spector or a host of others, enough announced music pics stall that it’s hard to find one worth worth getting excited about. Try this one: Sacha Baron Cohen has closed a deal to play Queen front man Freddie Mercury in a film that’s being scripted by Peter Morgan for a 2011 production start. The untitled film will be financed by GK Films partners Graham King and Tim Headington, who'll produce in partnership with Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal’s Tribeca Productions, and Queen Films. Morgan is already working on a script focused on the band’s formative years, leading up to Queen’s appearance at Live Aid in 1985. Queen’s performance is considered one of the rock's all-time great live concert appearances. A rights package has been set that includes the band’s tunes, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions , Another One Bites The Dust and You’re My Best Friend. It is unclear whether Baron Cohen will sing—I’m told he can sing—or whether Mercury’s vocals will be used. Nobody sang like Mercury, so trying to replicate him would be a tall order. These decisions will be made as a director gets hired. Mercury died November 24, 1991 of complications from AIDS. Though 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. .Baron Cohen is an intriguing choice. For one thing, he looks more like Mercury than any star I can think of. While Baron Cohen’s primarily a comic actor, he plays well-defined characters in films from Borat to Talladega Nights, Sweeney Todd and Bruno, and he’s currently starring in the 3D Martin Scorsese-directed drama Hugo Cabret, also for GK Films. In April, Baron Cohen was the catalyst for a big bucks comedy pitch being written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer and David Mandel. Paramount beat out others for a film, which calls for Baron Cohen to play dual roles of a goat herder and a deposed dictator who gets lost in the US. It was an extravagant deal and the project is on a fast track. It’s unclear how timing factors into the Mercury film. Morgan has become a go-to guy for prestige films based on real figures, from Frost/Nixon to The Queen (no relation), The Last King of Scotland and Damned United.His most recent script, Hereafter, made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last Sunday, with director Clint Eastwood and stars Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard introducing the film at the Elgin Theater. GK’s King confirmed the Queen deal: “Queen is one of the greatest rock bandsof all time, and a music brand all unto itself,” he said in a statement. “Freddie Mercury was an awe-inspiring performer, so with Sacha in the starring role coupled with Peter’s screenplay and the support of Queen, we have the perfect combination to tell the real storybehind their success.” This is the first time the surviving members of Queen--Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon--have licensed songs and music publishing rights for a movie about the band and they formed Queen Films to be partof the production team on the film. They previously supplied their songs to We Will Rock You, the stage musical that has been running 9 years on London’s West End. GK Films tomorrow opens the Ben Affleck-directed The Town through Warner Bros, and the Angelina Jolie-Johnny Depp thriller The Tourist opens December 10 through Columbia Pictures. Baron Cohen’s repped by WME and Morgan by UTA and UK-based Independent Talent Group. |
| GratefulFan 11.09.2010 18:50 |
This could be so fantastic. There is such a story in there, but it needs and deserves a serious script and a serious treatment. This, preliminarily, sounds like it could be it. There's a huge leap between an article and something in the can, but what an amazing thing this would be if done right. Kudos to our guys for holding out for something that on paper at least seems worthwhile and classy. |
| matt z 11.09.2010 19:08 |
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASEE for FUCK's SAKE.... don't let this project have anything to do with Justin Bieber or Jayden Smith.... or any of those fucktards for godsakes.... not another vehicle to shell out the "talent" (huge quotations) that UNIVERSAL has... this is frightening... ....still, hopefully it'd be good.. |
| Bo Rhap 12.09.2010 09:47 |
We have been told of this movie being made for such a long time now. I was beginning to think that it will never be made. Now the next question is.Is Johnny Depp going be playing Freddie? We shall wait and see.I wont be holding my breath though |
| pittrek 12.09.2010 10:04 |
Oh please NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |
| queenside 12.09.2010 15:47 |
i would like to see depp as freddie but i don't wanna this movie to be made if it won't be like walk the line (which was about johnny cash) in terms of quality |
| mantomen 12.09.2010 15:59 |
Oh, my God! Finally! It would be greeeeeaaat! It's late it's late it's late But not too late |
| Jam Monkey 12.09.2010 16:22 |
Umm, something tells me this will be eiether fantasic or foul, and nothing inbetween. |
| rhyeking 12.09.2010 17:03 |
This could either way. We could see an Academy Award-winning production with the calibre of Ray or Walk The Line or The Doors. or... We could end up with Selena, but I doubt it. Johnny Depp would be cool, but I think I'd rather see them (if possible) use an actor of a similar ethnic background, for authenticity. I concede that may not be possible. I'm also keen to seen how they anchor the story. A good drama, even factually based, requires conflict, either internal or external (or both). I hope they find something more than just his sexuality to base his struggles around, as that was just one aspect of his life. The Sheffield management battles would be good for the first portion, and the infamous in-studio rows the band reportedly had. |
| 12yrslouetta 12.09.2010 17:15 |
I have to admit that i winced when i heard this news. I always feel that that the main interest people have for Queen are whats bohemian rhapsody about and that Freddie mercury went to clubs, was gay and did drugs. No ones really interested in the Queen story as such, they are more interested in the scandal side of things, which is human nature i guess. Hmm, I wonder if another compilation will be released as the soundtrack?? |
| john bodega 13.09.2010 03:47 |
It will very likely stink on ice, but there's always hope. |
| emrabt 13.09.2010 06:02 |
I doubt anything will come of this, one of the reporters at the express keeps reading too far into things and posting queen related stuff. Last year it was stuff like: “Brian may furious at music thieves stealing Michael Jackson demos.” and other things Twisted from the soapbox. Looks like the story that's been floating around this site for years, just updated. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 13.09.2010 07:59 |
I could play Barry Sheffield, maybe Britney Spears for Mary. As it's the same writer as The Queen and Frost/Nixon I guess that guy with the stary eyes will be playing Freddie! |
| Thistle 13.09.2010 09:44 |
Zachary Quinto as Freddie, anyone? |
| GratefulFan 13.09.2010 12:36 |
Robert Downey Jr. should play ALL the parts. Including Mary. Actually, especially Mary. (Just kidding Mary!) |
| rhyeking 13.09.2010 12:48 |
"I'm the dude playing dude, dressed as another dude, playing the gay dude and his girlfriend!" |
| NEMO75 13.09.2010 14:28 |
Please, wait until my death i don't want to see it |
| GratefulFan 13.09.2010 14:49 |
Can somebody please tell Rhyeking that that maybe might have possibly made me laugh just a teeny tiny bit. I'm not speaking to him. |
| Gregsynth 13.09.2010 14:59 |
What's the beef? |
| GratefulFan 13.09.2010 15:18 |
Sadly, Rhyeking is the mosquito in my Queenzone. But in the interest of a harmonious world of unicorns and rainbows, I'm working on it. :p |
| rhyeking 13.09.2010 16:17 |
I'm working on being less insufferable. Lesson learned. Hoping to improve my standing overall. |
| buffypython 13.09.2010 18:39 |
So this guy directed "The Queen" so he thinks he can direct a movie about Queen? I'm just joking; I haven't seen either movie so I have no expectations. I'm glad that this is (possibly) coming out so the younger generation (mine) can learn about Queen. My picks for actors in order of closest to the real thing: John Deacon - Jay Baruchel link Freddie Mercury - Sasha Baron Cohen (if he can act in a serious role) link Brian & Roger - ???? - I can't think of anyone who looks like or can scream like Roger, nor anyone who could pull off the Bri-fro. |
| Judys 13.09.2010 23:16 |
I am so glad to hear about the movie. Johnny Depp can act!! I'm sure he'd be a respectable and respectful Freddie. He's the one I always pictured playing the part. Sasha Baron Cohen looks so much like Freddie, and he can act - but we can't have a Freddie taller than Brian;-) The actor playing Brian would have to be 6'7" and the other band members would also have to be as tall as Sasha. I guess you can do anything with the camera these days though to make them seem the proper height. Enough said Judy - You're getting over excited ;-D |
| freddiefan91 14.09.2010 02:53 |
If they do this i hope they focus more on the music than his personal life but then i guess they want to make it scandallike so they will include everything |
| liam 14.09.2010 04:13 |
Would they dub over the singing or try to get someone to sound like freddie? |
| bigV 14.09.2010 05:26 |
Thistleboy 1980 wrote: Zachary Quinto as Freddie, anyone? ---- Swell! Maybe get Chris Pine to play Roger Taylor. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci can write and J.J. Abrams can direct... Oh, wait... I'm thinking of a whole different franchise... V. |
| pittrek 14.09.2010 07:27 |
bigV wrote:Please no, they fucked up one fantastic franchise alreadyThistleboy 1980 wrote: Zachary Quinto as Freddie, anyone?---- Swell! Maybe get Chris Pine to play Roger Taylor. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci can write and J.J. Abrams can direct... Oh, wait... I'm thinking of a whole different franchise... V. |
| mardow 14.09.2010 20:52 |
I would only want to see this done if the remaining members and perhaps Mary had the final say on the script to maintain some kind of integrity. After all, they were the ones who know him best! |
| mike hunt 15.09.2010 00:51 |
Queen has all the makings of a great movie if done right..... Good times, bad times, love, lust, drugs. Bonding during the Innuendo sessions and a sad ending. hopefully if they do it they do it right. |
| A Word In Your Ear 15.09.2010 03:28 |
On Brian's site regarding this it says "Editor's note: This story unconfirmed as of now." The fact that Brian has not commented about it either makes me wonder if it is all just bull. The express getting their wires crossed (yet again) with Brian talking about Ben Elton working on a script for a Movie version of "We Will Rock You" One thing that people have not mentioned yet is:- if in fact the "Queen Movie" or "We Will Rock You" get's made, can we expect to get an Original Soundtrack Album, with new contributions from Brian & Roger, May it be Remixed tracks for the Queen Movie/We will Rock You &/or Queen playing the music to the movie casts vocals. (Oh!!! & if it does get made, Brian will say "only if James Cameron Directs & it's in wonderful 3D Freddie Vision") |
| derby 15.09.2010 06:16 |
This is such great news, finally a story that has to be told to all of us who love and loved him. Freddie Mercury has touched so many people in the industry and his fans. hope Johnny Debb plays the Freddie |
| matt z 15.09.2010 13:32 |
They could get that one dude Paul Rodgers to play Freddie Mercury.... link [hides behind bulletproof glass] |
| thunderbolt 31742 16.09.2010 01:40 |
Yes, but here's the important question: Will it be filmed using stereo photography? |
| inu-liger 17.09.2010 00:06 |
Thunderbolt wrote: Yes, but here's the important question: Will it be filmed using stereo photography?Why of course! It's also known as 3-D my friend :-) No word yet if the Queen movie Blu-rays will come with polarized OWL glasses or not though! |
| tcc 17.09.2010 01:57 |
If the movie is successful and opens more markets for Queen, the band and Universal might consider releasing more material from their archives (I hope). |
| Vali 17.09.2010 02:10 |
tcc wrote: If the movie is successful and opens more markets for Queen, the band and Universal might consider releasing more material from their archives (I hope). Bingo ! 40th Anniversary, Universal, movie confirmed .... all of a sudden, I feel optimistic and foresee the next couple of years can bring us many presents :) |
| tonyyy 17.09.2010 02:33 |
Great news! Tony My webpage: link |
| Makka 17.09.2010 02:57 |
As long as the movie concentrates more on the music side more than the Freddie gay side of things that will be good. I'd hate to see it turn into a Pricilla Queen Of The Desert! |
| mike hunt 17.09.2010 11:28 |
Yea, it should concrentrate more on the music, but you can't Exclude the party side of freddie altogether. It wouldn't be realistic. |
| MmP 17.09.2010 13:46 |
Being a movie maker like I am, Im really curious on how they're gonna make this work out. Freddie's life has so many dramatical options to make a great amazing film from the script trough the image design. Man I really can't wait. |