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'Bohemian Rhapsody': New trailer for Queen biopic embraces Freddie's sexuality

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in <i>Bohemian Rhapsody</i>(20th Century Fox)
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (20th Century Fox)

20th Century Fox has released a new trailer for Bohemian Rhapsody, Bryan Singer’s Queen biopic, and following accusations that the film’s first trailer seemed to avoid Freddie Mercury’s sexuality, this trailer reveals it actually plays a big part in the singer’s story.

Watch the new trailer below.

Singer’s film will chart the rise of iconic British rock band Queen, who’ve sold around 150-300m records globally, making them one of the best-selling musical acts of all time.

Freddie Mercury, real name Farrokh Bulsara, joined the band in its early years eventually becoming the front man and hit song-writer. Although he didn’t come out of the closet until he was close to death, Mercury was bisexual, and would later become one of the first high-profile victims of AIDS.

When the first Bohemian Rhapsody trailer was released in May, influential TV producer Bryan Fuller tweeted his annoyance at the trailer’s apparent “hetero-washing” of Freddie’s story.

However, this new trailer seems to have the criticisms on board, revealing Freddie’s intimacy with men will be explored in the film. We’ve also got an exclusive new behind-the-scenes image from the film showing Queen guitarist Bryan May talking to Gwilym Lee (who plays young Brian May), and Graham King (producer).

A behind-the-scenes photo of Brian May, Gwilym Lee (who plays young Brian May), & Graham King (producer) (20th Century Fox)
A behind-the-scenes photo of Brian May, Gwilym Lee (who plays young Brian May), & Graham King (producer) (20th Century Fox)

Either way, the film continues to impress, specifically with the actors cast as the band. Mr Robot’s Rami Malek looks the spitting image of Mercury, and could end up being an Oscar-contender in the par.

Synopsis: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

Rami Malek in <i>Bohemian Rhapsody</i> (20th Century Fox)
Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody (20th Century Fox)

The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their near-implosion as Mercury’s lifestyle spirals out of control, and their triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. In the process, cementing the legacy of a band that were always more like family, and who continue to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.

Despite being fired as director on the set of Bohemian Rhapsody, Bryan Singer retains the directing credit, after Dexter Fletcher completed work on the film in his absence.

Bohemian Rhapsody is in cinemas 24 October. Watch the film’s first teaser below.


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