It’s been three years since Sacha Baron Cohen signed on to play the role of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. Since then, there hasn’t been much news, but now it looks like it was all for naught as Cohen has officially dropped out, due to creative differences with the surviving members of Queen.
According to Deadline, the members of Queen want to see a PG movie that makes Queen look like One Direction, but Cohen is insisting on a gritty, honest portrayal of Mercury and his struggles. This is disappointing news, as there’s a clear resemblance between Mercury and Cohen. In addition, it would be Cohen’s first truly dramatic role.
Tom Hooper had also expressed interest in directing, having just worked with Cohen on Les Mis rables, though it’s unclear if he will stay with the film now lacking its star.
Gossip Zoo 