Bohemian Rhapsody: Freddie Mercury biopic, first look photos

It was only a matter of time before the king of Queen was awarded the spotlight on the silver screen. Nearly 30 years after his death, Freddie Mercury takes centre stage in Bohemian Rhapsody, the film telling the story of his legendary life.

The star will be played by Rami Malek, best known for his role in TV show Mr Robot. The role was initially given to Sacha Baron Cohen but was then recast in 2013, following creative differences with the Queen band members. Brian May and Roger Taylor are serving as producers on the film, alongside Robert De Niro – go figure.

Judging from the first pictures of Malek as Mercury, it's a wonder anyone else could have ever been in the running.

Malek will be joined by Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy and Joseph Mazzello, playing Queen band members Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon respectively. The film will feature band members, managers, supporters and relations from Mercury's personal life, bridging the gaps between work and play as he did himself every day.

Bohemian Rhapsody will cover the period from 1970 until Queen's Live Aid performance in 1985. Director Bryan Singer had stated that the film is 'not a traditional biopic'. There will be a deep dive into the legacy of the band's music, as well as Mercury's own life and losses. For a band that revolutionised rock music but was also always considered more of a family, there's a promise of a deep emotional core, beyond the foot-stomping songs we know to expect.

After a lot of recasting, rescheduling and much uncertainty around the project, there is finally a determined green light and an electric release on the horizon, for what promises to be a show stopping celebration of a passionate life. Bohemian Rhapsody hits UK screens on 24 October.