A full-length trailer for the long-awaited biopic of rock band Queen and frontman Freddie Mercury has been unveiled.
Rami Malek, the star of TV series Mr. Robot, is playing the charismatic Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, set to hit screens in November.
The film takes place over the course of 15 years, from the band’s formation to their 1985 Live Aid performance, six years before his death of an AIDS-related illness in 1991.
“Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury,” the synopsis reads.
“Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.
“The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound.
“They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career.
“Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid.
“While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.”
Word of the project emerged as early as 2010 but the production has been through a number of difficulties in the years since.
Initially, Sacha Baron Cohen was cast in the role of Mercury, but eventually left the project following creative differences with surviving Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Following the release of the first teaser trailer earlier this year, fans expressed concerns that Freddie’s bisexuality and his AIDS-related death would be glossed over in the film. The new trailer gives more overt hints at Mercury’s sexuality.
Malek told an audience at Comic-Con earlier this year, “I thought when I got the part that this could be a career-defining performance. Then I thought, ‘This could be a career-killer if I don’t get it right’.
“What always had me was his ability to give people the ability to embrace their imperfections.
“Freddie Mercury connected like only a handful of performers have ever done. I am so humbled to be part of Queen’s legacy.”
Bohemian Rhapsody will be released in Australia on November 1.
