Could things have been very different had the lead not been Rami Malek? Both Sacha Baron Cohen and Ben Whishaw had been linked to the role, and both ultimately bowed out But why did they decide not to play one of the most famous men in music history?
Why did Sacha Baron Cohen leave Bohemian Rhapsody?
Sacha Baron Cohen was confirmed to play Freddie Mercury in 2010 then sensationally left the project in 2013 with creative differences appearing to be his motivation. He kept reasonably schtum on the true heart of the reason for many years, but in 2016 finally gave an interview in which he disagreed with a particular band member (thought to be Brian May) over the direction of the film, in that the original premise was to see Freddie Mercury die mid-way through. He’d been part of the project for six years at the point of leaving, but felt so strongly that the movie was being taken the wrong way that he felt he had no choice but to leave, claiming he had wanted to get to the ‘nitty gritty’ of the story while the band members wanted to maintain their legacy. He told Howard Stern: ‘A member of the band – I won’t say who – said: “You know, this is such a great movie because it’s got such an amazing thing that happens in the middle.”‘
And I go: “What happens in the middle of the movie?” He goes: “You know, Freddie dies.” … I go: “What happens in the second half of the movie?” He goes: “We see how the band carries on from strength to strength.” ‘I said: “Listen, not one person is going to see a movie where the lead character dies from Aids and then you see how the band carries on.” ‘There are amazing stories about Freddie Mercury. The guy was wild. There are stories of little people walking around parties with plates of cocaine on their heads!’
Roger Taylor, Queen’s drummer, recently revealed to Associated Press the band’s take on Sacha’s departure, claiming the actor ‘didn’t take it seriously enough.’ ‘There was a lot of talk about Sacha and stuff. It was never really on,’ he said. ‘I don’t think he took it seriously enough — didn’t take Freddie seriously enough. But I think, really, it’s a long road, but we’re at the end of it now.’ He added that Rami had been the perfect choice, saying: ‘He’s amazing. Thank God we found him. He’s just an incredible guy — in every way. He’s lovely to be around, he’s dedicated utterly, and he’s incredibly talented. My God! He got Freddie to a tee. I mean, he’s wonderful. We couldn’t have done better.’ Brian May has also previously said: ‘Sacha became an arse. We had some nice times with Sacha kicking around ideas, but he went off and told untruths about what happened… we decided he wasn’t right for the role for very good reasons, which will become apparent if you watch what he’s done recently. ‘It’s obvious that it wasn’t going to work, him playing Freddie. It wouldn’t suspend your disbelief. We’re hoping Ben Whishaw will do it. He’s fabulous – a real actor.’
Why did Ben Whishaw leave the role?
Ben Whishaw was named as a replacement in December 2013. However, he was never given a contract and there was no official confirmation he would be stepping into the role. Even the actor himself wasn’t entirely sure. Brian May had said he hoped the James Bond actor would sign up for the role, dubbing him a ‘real actor’. But in 2014, despite Ben still being linked to the lead, things surrounding the film were up in the air, and he ended up telling Time Out: ‘I don’t know what’s happening, it seems to be on a back burner.’ In 2015 he still hadn’t received a contract, and in 2016 it was announced Rami Malek had been given the part.
