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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

New Bohemian Rhapsody trailer touches upon Freddie Mercury sexuality following backlash

The brand new trailer for Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody features references to the singer's sexuality following the backlash caused by its absence from the first.

Fans will be relieved to see that the love-life of legendary frontman Freddie Mercury - played by Mr Robot star Rami Malek - hasn't been ignored.

The extended look at the forthcoming film sees Malek impress yet again in his role with supporting performances from Tom Hollander, Aiden Gillen and Sing Street star Lucy Boynton. Mike Myers will also star in an unspecified role.

Following the release of the first trailer, 20th Century Fox was accused of heterosexual-washing the film with many - including TV producer Bryan Fuller - arguing it favoured Mercury's relationship with women as opposed to his ones with men. Social media users also highlighted the absence of the singer's AIDS diagnosis from the synopsis. Instead, it's simply referred to as “a life-threatening illness.” 

The film is said to chart “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.”

Dexter Fletcher succeeded Bryan Singer as director of the project which will be released in cinemas on 24 October.

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