Sacha Baron Cohen, a multifaceted British entertainer, stands out for his audacious and frequently provocative personas such as Borat and Ali G. Renowned for his keen satirical humor and sharp intellect, he’s become a prominent presence in the realms of both cinema and television, fearlessly addressing social and political matters with comedic flair. He was also in the running to play Freddie Mercury.
While there was never any doubt about Rami Malik being the flamboyant frontman for Queen, there was a fleeting moment when Sacha Baron Cohen was considered for the role of Freddy Mercury. However, Queen firmly rejected the idea, leading to Cohen being passed over, and Bohemian Rhapsody went on to become the global sensation the band had envisioned.
Queen Band Members Did Not Approve Of Sacha Baron Cohen
Although the Queen members acknowledged Sacha Baron Cohen’s talent as a comedic actor, they believed he lacked the essence needed to capture Mercury’s spirit. Hence, the prevailing belief was that if Cohen had stayed in the film, it might have been a flop. This was largely attributed to his perceived lack of acting prowess and a demeanor not serious enough to tackle a role as significant as the frontman of Queen.
In the years following the release of Bohemian Rhapsody, Cohen has openly discussed why he didn’t end up playing Mercury. Subsequently, drummer Roger Taylor’s recent interviews became more assertive, leaving no ambiguity about his sentiments toward Cohen during the period when he was linked to the project.
Drummer Roger Taylor said (via The Things):
“I think he would have been utter s**t. Sacha is pushy, if nothing else. He’s also six inches too tall. But I watched his last five films and came to the conclusion he’s not a very good actor… I thought he was an utterly brilliant subversive comedian, that’s what he’s great at.”
While Cohen did possess a physical resemblance to Mercury, it was upon meeting Rami Malik that the band realized they had discovered the true embodiment of Mercury, and no other actor could do justice to him on the big screen.
Sacha Baron Cohen Is A Die Hard Freddie Mercury Fan
Cohen, an admirer of Mercury and captivated by his life story, eagerly jumped at the chance to portray the legendary singer on the silver screen when the opportunity presented itself. This move was a significant one for the Borat star.
Cohen said (via The Things):
“There are amazing stories about Freddie Mercury. The guy was wild. I mean he was living an extreme lifestyle. There are stories of… little people with plates with cocaine on their heads walking around a party.”
In the initial stages of production, he actively collaborated in attracting renowned directors and screenwriters to ensure Bohemian Rhapsody would become a film that both he and Queen could hold their heads high about when it graced the silver screen.
Yet, after a lengthy three-year pre-production phase, Cohen’s departure from the film can be characterized as either a termination or a result of creative divergences between him and the band.
Bohemian Rhapsody is available for streaming on Fubo TV.
Source: The Things
