“Bohemian Rhapsody” star Rami Malek is in final talks for a 007 villain role, which would see the Oscar-winning actor feature alongside Daniel Craig in the next James Bond Film. After his recent Academy Award success, Malek’s career looks set for another well-deserved boost as the makers of “Bond 25” – with a working title of “Shatterhand” – seek to sign him up the exciting upcoming project.
Malek’s character in the 25th Bond film which is being touted as Craig’s final performance in the lead role has yet to be confirmed, but initial indications suggest that he could play a blind man.
Should he get the part, he would join a star-studded line-up of previous actors to have pitted their wits against Britain’s notorious secret agent, including the likes of Christopher Lee, Telly Savalas, Javier Bardem and the enigmatic Christoph Waltz.
Malek forgotten how to play Freddie
The success of the Queen musical biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” in which Malek played the late Freddie Mercury so admirably, seems to have alerted the film world to his undoubted versatility and potential box office appeal. However, he admitted recently that he has already forgotten how to play the complex persona that was Freddie, despite scooping the Best Actor Oscar for his well-observed portrayal.
Detailed research into character
Thirty-seven-year-old Malek is said to have spent a year in his research and study in order to master the former Queen frontman’s personality, as he sought to do justice to the much-missed rock legend in the film. The American recently divulged that much of that learning had now been forgotten though, although he has retained some skills on the piano as a result which he finds “meditative” for him.
Given that he was asked to play the piano upside down in one scene from “Bohemian Rhapsody”, then perhaps that memory is something that would indeed be hard to completely forget.
Triumphant Oscar’s performance
Queen’s enduring appeal to Music fans also seems to have benefited from the biopic’s success at the box office and in snaring four Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards.
Roger Taylor and Brian May were asked to perform live at the glitzy ceremony, with American Idol star Adam Lambert stepping in as the lead singer as they wowed Hollywood’s A-listers with “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions”.
Absence of John Deacon
There was no appearance from the other surviving band member John Deacon on the night though. The bass guitarist opted to retire from the limelight over 20 years ago, having been deeply affected by Mercury’s untimely death in 1991 and consequentially has performed with the band sporadically thereafter. May has previously commented on his absence as being something that the band members fully understand and that they respect his stance.
Additional bonus for Queen fans
Movie fans will shortly be able to enjoy the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” on DVD and Blu-ray formats, with an additional treat for Queen’s followers included that did not feature in the cinema version. Available from 4th March, both formats include the full re-enactment of the group’s Live Aid performance, which has been recognised as one of the best musical sets in history.
