Johnny Depp as Freddie Mercury?

Luke van Belkom Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

I think Depp would put too much of a "big star" edge and would in some cases be distracting, unless Johnny can make it seem as if he IS Freddie rather than someone playing Freddie. Personally I would prefer to see Mika play Freddie Mercury, as an up and coming star himself.

Mette Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

Can anybody find me somebody to love --- No I mean - Can anybody - tell me if this movie is a reality?

Will the movie be making?

Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

He practically played him in Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

Compare Bohemian Rhapsody (the music video) with Depp as Charlie. The resemblance is uncanny!

Regner Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 07:06 AM EST

I don't know... I mean I just LOVE Johnny and his work.. I'm a true collector. But I love Freddie more. he is a musical legend and his passion and talent can probably never be potrayed by anyone. i simply think it will be too difficult and maybe the outcome would be a dissapointment? And just to add another point, they don't even look the same. Freddie has a very special face and look, I love Johnny and he is one of the best! But I don't think anyone can play this Angel of music. besides if they do make a movie, I agree that it should be about the band and Freddie and the early years etc. NOT a sob story about his illness. Freddie's life wasn't about aids.
Long live the legend!

Karla Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 02:33 AM EST

Sacha Boren Cohen has the intensity and that guy is not afraid to do or say anything. Johnny Depp? I'd like to see that. If he ever pulled off being Freddie Mercury, he'd become the greatest actor in my book. I'm just as big as fan of Johnny, but I don't know about him.

ant Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

Let Johnny Depp or Mika play Freddy. Rufus needs to be busy playing Marc Bolan

Stevie Mon, May 5, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

It sounds great, i just hope the movie is about Queen, the whole story, including the early days. I would love to see Depp portray Mercury on stage in their hey day circa 78' 79' (Live Killers) My fear is this is going to be a political movie about AIDS focusing in on Freddy only arounf the time he died in the late 80's and early 90's. Please make this movie a celebration about Queen and Freddy as entertainers, and not an AIDS sob story.

Amanda Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

Oh I definitely think he can do it. I really think Johnny Depp makes it happen and would rock it as Mercury if given the chance. I would be all over this movie in a heartbeat. Depp is fearless, and he would bring everything to the table.

Wendy Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 09:06 PM EST

While Johnny is talented and all, I don't think audiences could get past his over-exposed celebrity. May I suggest Wes Bentley, from American Beauty and The Claim. Strong resemblance, undeniable talent, and "unknown" enough to be believable in the role.

JohnnyIstheMan Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 05:58 PM EST

If anyone can portray Freddie Mercury, it is Johnny. I'm crossing my fingers.

rebecca parent Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 04:54 PM EST

I think he would be the best person for that part!!! He is my biggest hero!!! I love him!!! Any part he plays, he plays VERY well!!

zoster lvs Johnny Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:37 AM EST

I am JohnnyDepps boggest fan ever!I think he is the perfect person

zoster lvs Johnny Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:37 AM EST

I am JohnnyDepps boggest fan ever!I think he is the perfect person

Not Quite the Shilling Sun, Nov 11, 2007 at 01:39 AM EST

Someone mentioned Rufus Sewell at the top. Watch him in The Illusionist (the crown prince)--not a Freddie style role at all, but the LOOK is just incredibly like him, and he acts well. Not as popular as Johnny... and I'm a HUGE Johnny fan myself... but seriously folks: our beloved Mr. Depp has yet to get a British accent straight. Rufus Sewell is native.
Mika should overdub any new vocals though... for sure :)

jon Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 03:59 PM EST

when's it coming out

Chad Carter Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 05:57 AM EST

I believe Johnny Depp would be awesome as Freddie Mercury! Freddie is the greatest musician and singer I've ever known about, and Johnny is such an awesome actor! I believe Johnny's got the sense of humour to portray Freddie. I would love the movie to be established, especially with Robert De Niro(Legend!)directing it.

Lover of Life Wed, Oct 10, 2007 at 10:25 AM EST

You are all slightly retarded.

K Tue, Sep 25, 2007 at 11:26 PM EST

While I love Johnny Depp and think he could play anyone I think that Rufus Sewell looks more like Freddie Mercury.

Tricia Wed, Aug 22, 2007 at 01:36 PM EST

Have a look at the end of "The Libertine" if you want to know if JD can look like FM. JD can probably get into the headspace & character of FM better than anyone realizes. He already has the music and the yin yang understanding. Add coaching from Brian & Roger and he'll be well fit!!

Sarah Thu, Jun 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM EST

COME ON!! Johnny Depp can do ANYTHING! Have you learned nothing from his past performances? Oh, Gilbert, how can you have such little faith in the genius of Johnny? The man has an uncanny ability to disappear into any role he takes and completely morph into the character he's playing. He'll make an awesome Freddy Mercury and I hope to the heavens they put him in Freddy's spandex. I'd give my eye teeth to see that!!!!

callie Thu, Jun 28, 2007 at 10:34 AM EST

Johnny is the sexiest and most talented actor of his generation, he can make ANY role his. Now, I personally hate Queen, but if he wants to play Freddie Mercury, he should, and the movie would be fantastic with him in it.

Meg Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 11:43 AM EST

YES!!! I know who should play Freddie!!! Sasha Baron Cohen!!!! he looks and sounds like Freddie

Juju Fri, Apr 13, 2007 at 07:05 PM EST

I just don't see Johnny as Freddie Mercury. He is certainly a fantastic actor, who knows, maybe he will make the role fit him.

mel Fri, Apr 13, 2007 at 06:55 PM EST

that sounds great!!

I heard that a cd by the rock band lovedrug matches up perfectly to the movie edward scissor hands--but check this; you turn your ipod/cd player on shuffle. I think the cd is called everything starts where it ends.

mel Fri, Apr 13, 2007 at 06:55 PM EST

that sounds great!!

I heard that a cd by the rock band lovedrug matches up perfectly to the movie edward scissor hands--but check this; you turn your ipod/cd player on shuffle. I think the cd is called everything starts where it ends.

Carol Tue, Mar 20, 2007 at 06:20 PM EST

Funny that someone else mentioned Sacha Baron Cohen. I recently rented Borat, and noted the resemblance of Cohen to Freddie - except for the height. Afterall, he already has the English accent. I'm not sure if Depp or Cohen has that masculine appeal that Freddie could put out there - at least on stage. Anyway, I can't wait to see the movie. Freddie will be a tough act to follow.

Tim Fri, Feb 16, 2007 at 11:22 PM EST

I think Johnny Depp would play a great Freddie Mercury. Being a long standing Queen fan myself, I always wondered who would play him in a movie...if it were ever to come to fruition. As for the person who said that Depp has denied the rumor, You might wanna look a little deeper than the press you've seen. In fact, go to Brian May's website to get word straight from the horse's mouth. Apparently, the surviving members of Queen..at least Brian and Roger have already discussed this exact thing and Depp is DEFINITELY a consideration. Personally I think he's got the nuts to pull it off quite well. His mannerisms...even in that fiasco of a Willy Wonka remake he pulled off his part!

Andy Sun, Feb 11, 2007 at 08:58 PM EST

I think johnny is a greta choice. Remember when they were first making Pirates? Nobody thought he was going to do well and the Disney executives were all scared he was ruining the film. He turned that movie into one of the biggest selling Dinesy movies. I say johnny is the best anyone is ever going to get ot be able to play Freddie.

EllieJo Tue, Feb 6, 2007 at 03:40 AM EST

I am a Queen Fanatic!
I Absolutley Love Freddie MErcury.
Also, Have Fallen in lvoe with all Johnny Depp's movies. ecspecially pirates of the carribean! I Think he'd do a good job.

eugenia Mon, Feb 5, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

I love Johnny and Im sure he would give it his all in pulling this off however like someone else said give somebody new a chance. Surely there is someone better suited,some new or obscure actor just waiting to take on such a role. Just looks wise too I DO NOT see it happening.

Antonio Sat, Feb 3, 2007 at 09:39 AM EST

Johnny Depp is great.....he has brought many good surprises to the screen....I am sure he will do justice to this part if given the chance.

sarah Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 07:22 PM EST

mika is a good choice, he has all his boxes ticked when it comes to freddie, but im the HUGEST johnny depp fan and a chance to see him again is enough let alone the fact that the man has some serious talent. do you not agree. captain jack is a king. i know ill be seriously disappointed if he aint freddie. ciao

DeeC Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:43 PM EST

I so love Johnny but give someone else a chance.

Chris Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:04 PM EST

I don't think we've really seen the full depth of Sacha Baron Cohen's talent yet and this could be a challenging role for him. But he's currently slated to appear in the film version of the musical Sweeney Todd (with Johnny Depp) so perhaps the idea of him portraying Freddie Mercury isn't as far-fetched as it might seem.

Shelly Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

There is an artist named Mika who sounds so much like mercury!

rosie Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

i like the thought of johnny depp as freddy mercury. though cillian murphy could could do it too. here's a question. anyone heard anything about a ramones biopic? i mean a real one not just in entorage world. who do you think could pull off playing joey ramone or johnny and deedee for that matter?

Tori Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:29 AM EST

No, Johnny would be perfect!!

no-idol Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:17 AM EST

Sasha has the look and he obviously has no fear about affecting any behavior. I can't believe I'd say this but I think he could pull it off (as)tastefully (as possible).

Cillian Murphy is a good call too....couldn't remember the name til I saw someone post it, but it was the first face that popped into my head.

Chip Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:15 AM EST

Mika! He could even do his own singing as he has Freddy's tone.

Stephanie Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:10 AM EST

Gary Oldman already played Sid Vicious. Sasha Baron Cohen? You guys really do have a sense of humor. How about that back up singer for the former band Frankie Goes to Hollywood? He looked like Mercury? lol.

lola Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Dammed)or Steve Carell(lol)

Gary Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

Sasha Baron Cohen? Why, because he is English and had a Mercury-style moustache when he played Borat? Come on! Sasha is a great comedian, but not exactly a world-class actor (ever seen 'Ali G In Da House'? I rest my case).

My vote would go for Jim Carrey, if he could pull of the accent (which I doubt). Johnny Depp would be a fine choice really.
As for an English Actor - I think Michael Sheen has the acting chops to pull it off.

Joe C Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 08:28 AM EST

I think that Johnny Depp DEFINITELY could pull off Freddie Mercury, and I am a HUGE Queen fan! My fave music biopic: Coal Miner's Daughter, Walk the Line, and Ray.

CalGal Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:58 AM EST

I'm surprised EW has just gotten wind of this rumor. This has been floating around the internet for awhile and Johnny Depp himself has denied the rumor. Mr. Depp has many interesting projects on his plate. I don't see this film happening with Johnny in it.

macram Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:13 AM EST

I agree Sacha Baron Cohen is my top choice...

He's the first person i thought of when I heard about this project.

I can't think of anyone better to play the great Freddie!!!

Who else has the ability to push it to the limit and really make Freddie come alive!!!!

Anyone else would be wrong

Fatima Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 11:32 PM EST

I don't know. Johnny Depp? Isn't that a little bit obvious?

Sally Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 11:24 PM EST

I'm sick of Depp playing weird and offbeat.

Mike Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 10:58 PM EST

Two words come to mind immediately: JARED LETO. Brilliant actor. Brilliant singer. Consider it done.

Jasper Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 09:58 PM EST

As much as I'd like to see Mr. Depp acting out Mercury's personal life (i.e. hot boy on Johnny action) I think he may not be quite right, but he's known to surprise. Sacha Baron Cohen is an interesting choice and may actually be the most fitting oddly enough. And anyone who's seen the naked wrestling in Borat knows he's game for the mano y mano.

Nate Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 08:47 PM EST

You guys are crazy. Johnny Depp can probably pull off just about any performance; everyone thought Terry Gilliam was way off the mark when he picked Johnny to play Hunter S Thompson, and now everyone claims that he was great. Dude can act circles around lesser actors like Cillian Murphy and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Becky Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 08:46 PM EST

Ewan Macgregor?

dj Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:55 PM EST

they'd have to work on the look - but the closest to Freddie's onstage charisma is Robbie Williams. have you seen that bloke in concert?!?!?!

EP Sato Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:43 PM EST

There was this Brit Actor in the Arnold Shwarzenneger movie "Comando" who kind of looked like Freddie Mercury. I think dude'd be perfect. Failing that, Johnny Depp will do fine. His biopic "Blow" was amazing, and made me want to know all about George Jung. He could do the same for the guy behind the Flash Gordon soundtrack. And remains by far my favorite camp movie ever...

Drew Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:21 PM EST

Actually now that I read those prior and very interesting suggestions Sacha Baron Cohen sounds like a really amazing choice. He even has the look.

Nicole Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:14 PM EST

Some other people beat me to it, but my first thoughts were Cillian Murphy and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. I'd give the slight edge to Murphy - he's done some VERY intense work for a while now (onstage as well) and can carry off the flamboyance as well. I'd also love to see him in a lead role. Rhys-Meyers has done the ambiguously sexual rockstar before (Velvet Goldmine) but would also be a fine choice.

Sheri Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:11 PM EST

Johnny Depp is an awesome actor, he is believable. Some of the ones suggested, come on, we want to see someone who can act! Aside from looking the part, maybe Depp does not. But I would only watch it if it were a good actor portraying him.

Chris Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:10 PM EST

How about Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix, or Sacha Baron Cohen?

Scotto Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:47 PM EST

Interesting that your permalink for this entry is suggesting Gary Oldman.

Dre Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:45 PM EST

I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who could do a better job than Depp. Maybe Christian Bale? Both of those guys could pull it off, though they might not instantly spring to mind.

Stephanie Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:44 PM EST

??? This might be compilcated. Technically Mercury was South African and his parents are Persian. They moved to England when Mercury was a baby. If they want to do it close to his genes then I would say Oded Ferer from The Mummy. Just give the guy a buzz cut once they get to the eighties part. I can't picture Depp as Mercury.

Celeste Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:35 PM EST

I don't know about Johnny, we'll have to see. But I like that it's DeNiro's company doing it, as he's involved with Queen's musical We Will Rock You and so already deals with Brian & Roger. That gives it more credibility to me as far as portraying Freddie's story fairly and accurately.

Mary Beth Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:28 PM EST

Cillian Murphy would be awesome! He disappears in his characters. Johnny Depp only does that with characters that are not physically well-known, like in "Finding Neverland."

nathan Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:21 PM EST

They got this one right, it should be Johnny Depp.

kat Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:19 PM EST

My first instinct is no, Johnny's not right. But he's proven himself to be a real chameleon and he just might pull it off.

Kat Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:18 PM EST

Johnny Depp is a wonderful actor and I think he's the perfect choice for this part.

meaghan Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:18 PM EST

This is a tough one, since Freddie was of Zoraustrian heritage. I think Johnny is just as good a choice as any, since producers would be hard-pressed to find an actor that possessed all of Freddie's traits naturally.

Isabelle Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:16 PM EST

Sacha Boren Cohen

K Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 06:07 PM EST

Can Mika act? He's a young'un but he's certainly got the singing chops for Freddie Mercury and people are already comparing them...

Nicole Steeves Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

Ryan Gosling

Justine Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers?