It’s a film that almost didn’t happen. Many times. The troubled and tortured road to the big screen was almost as epic and dramatic as the subject matter. After losing Sacha Baron Cohen in a flurry of public accusations and then the public mess with director Bryan Singer leaving mid-shoot, nobody was expecting it to bank over $900million and take home four Oscars. Not even Queen’s Roger Taylor, who told a new interview: “I know, it’s quite extraorinary.”
Of course, only one tying is more important in Hollywood than awards and money talks louder than anything.
Putting aside the wealth of material a sequel could cover, the fact the first film was made for $52million and made $903million means everyone will be pushing to make lightning strike twice.
A few months back there was a flurry of excitement when Rudi Dolezal, who directed many of the band’s videos and was good friends with Mercury made a bold claim: “I’m sure Jim Beach (Queen’s manager) plans a sequel that starts with Live Aid. (It’s) being heavily discussed in the Queen family.”
The claims were denied. Until now.
Taylor and May have given a huge interview to Mojo magazine as they prepare to launch a major stadium tour in North America.
Asked about a film sequel Taylor says: “But what would the story be?”
May adds: “We’re talking about it. There’s a school of thought that says, ‘Leave it.’ There’s another that thinks, ‘A lot happened after Live Aid.'”
The profile of the band has never been higher for many years and a recent documentary The Show Must Go On – The Queen and Adam Lambert Story, attracted huge attention. So, when could fans expect proper news about a sequel?
The downside of things going so well is that he band are incredibly busy and have other new opportunities.
May says: “At the moment, I’m happy with stopping now. There’s more music and other films to be made – different things to do in life.”
Taylor agrees: “I’m tempted to leave things as they are.”
Of course, now we’re left wondering what May means by “other film.” The show really is going on…
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