Sacha Baron Cohen had one vision for the biopic of Freddie Mercury while the other members of Queen had another.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Cohen has pulled out of the movie, where he was expected to play the iconic lead singer, after the surviving members of Queen set a course towards a PG version of Mercury’s life. Cohen was more interested in an R-rated graphic film that delved into Mercury’s homosexuality.
Deadline is reporting that Cohen has been very active in the development of the film since signing on in 2010, including working with writers and directors who he wanted to develop the film for him. Ultimately, it appears that Queen had the final say and they were not approving Cohen’s choices.
The untitled film is being developed by Tribeca Productions and Queen Films.
