Queen has announce X-Men and Usual Suspects director Bryan Singer will bring the long-awaited Freddy Mercury biopic to life.
The film has been in a state of limbo for over a decade as executive producers Brian May and Roger Taylor had difficulty casting it among other issues.
“If you’ve ever seen Singer’s X-Men films, or the groundbreaking movie The Usual Suspects, you’ll know this is a director with extraordinary imagination and style,” Queen said in a statement (via Ultimate Classic Rock). “A perfect choice to recreate the fabulous Queen years, which brought us such unforgettable moments as Live Aid – which we can reveal will be faithfully recreated for a key sequence in the film.”
The project is expected to move forward this year.
"We've been 12 years on this trail," May told Rolling Stone, "but I think we're very close now to an announcement, which will signify that Fox has given the green light to actually supply the money. So yes, I think we're very close."
Emmy-winning American actor Rami Malek, best known for his starring role in the USA series Mr. Robot, was announced as the Mercury biopic's lead last year.
"He has a great presence, and is utterly dedicated to the project, which is wonderful," May said of Malek. "We've spent a little time with him. He's completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is just wonderful to see."
May went on to sing the praises of the film's team, including producer Graham King, whom he described as one of the greatest indie producers in Hollywood.
May says he and Taylor will serve as music supervisors for the film.
"We've stayed with it for 12 years to shepherd it to the right place where we feel it would do Freddie justice. WE only get one shot at this, and that's it."
Queen + Adam Lambert are touring the U.S. this summer. Get all the tour dates here.
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