Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury could have made a cameo in Rocketman

News
By ( Classic Rock ) published

Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher reveals he considered bringing both films together in a scene in Rocketman

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody

Director Dexter Fletcher says he briefly considered introducing Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury into a scene in Elton John biopic Rocketman.

Fletcher took over the director’s chair close to the end of production on Bohemian Rhapsody – replacing Bryan Singer who was fired from the set in December 2017.

Fletcher, who also directed Rocketman, was asked by Gay Star News if he was ever tempted to invite Malek on to the set for a cameo.

Fletcher replies: “There was an idea I had one point, where Elton’s in a restaurant with his mother. I thought John Reid and Freddie could be at another table and they wave at each other!

“That would have been amazing, but it didn’t come to pass. It would have been a little too knowing… I’m not looking to set out to make a cinematic universe!”

Bohemian Rhapsody as gone on to take an estimated $1 billion at the global box office, while Rocketman premiered at the end of May.

It took $25 million in its first week in the US and an additional $19.2m across 40 markets in its first week. The film launched in the UK a week before other markets and its total now stands at $56m – surpassing the $40m used to create the movie.

Scott Munro
Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

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.