Rami Malek talks taking on leadership role on set of Bohemian Rhapsody

Rami Malek has earned plaudits from movie goers and music fans alike for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in new Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody.

The movie has become the second biggest music biopic in US history since it premiered last month – a feat which at one point seemed unlikely due to it being in production hell for years.

Mr Robot star Malek was brought onboard to play the iconic Queen frontman in November 2016 following the acrimonious departure of Sacha Baron Cohen. Then, in December last year, director Bryan Singer was fired and was replaced by Dexter Fletcher.

Asked how the change in directors affected him in the latter stages of filming, Malek tells the Press Association (via The Independent.ie): “It was an immense responsibility for me. I felt like I was running on a highly confident level at times.

“This was an honour to portray Freddie Mercury, and there was a certain amount of justice that you have to give to the man in order to portray him, or portray the band. So I wanted to go to work with the highest level of functioning capability I could.

“So we all raised our games, day in and day out. And I appreciated taking a leadership responsibility, because that’s what Freddie would have done.”

Earlier this month, Malek reported that he would have liked to “delve deeper” into Mercury’s private life in the film, adding: “I just kept pushing for more of that aspect of his life. I don’t know if we ever felt fulfilled by it.”

Classic Rock recently ran an online poll to find out the greatest Queen song of all time. Close to 50,000 fans voted and the results are now in.

Find out what made the top 50.

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Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.