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Sony sets The Theory of Everything screenwriter for Freddie Mercury biopic

“Deadline” reported the announcement with further confirmation that Graham King’s “GK Films” would still continue to produce the film with Queen Films. And, the film has also seen the departure of its leading man, Sacha Baron Cohen, who was pegged for the Mercury role.

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Since Baron Cohen’s exit over “creative differences” with Mercury’s Queen band mates, who will also serve as producers on the film, “Spectre” actor Ben Winshaw has been the frontrunner to take over the role of Mercury.

There’s been a glimmer of hope lately, with Theory of Everything screenwriter Anthony McCarten signing on to write a new script for the biopic, tentatively called Bohemian Rhapsody. McCarten was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Mercury biopic has been in the works for over five years, with Sacha Baron Cohen originally attached to star as the iconic rock singer. Sascha Baron Cohen was previously linked to the film, but apparently left a little while ago.

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It’ll be interesting to see what former members Brian May and Roger Taylor make of the film, given that it’s a Mercury biopic and not a Queen biopic. No director has been hired yet either. “We thought there has to be no distraction in the Freddie movie. And we didn’t that could really happen with Sacha”.

Freddie Mercury Biopic Lands 'Theory of Everything' Writer, Still Eyeing Ben