Brian May talks down prospect of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ sequel

The immense success of Bohemian Rhapsody has led to a spate of rock biopics in recent years, including Elton John’s Rocketman and the upcoming Bowie flick Stardust.

The 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic grossed more than $900 million and scooped up four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Rami Malek. The film’s success was always going to lead producers to ponder the prospect of more. But it’s not an ideal candidate for a sequel – after all, the film ends with Freddie Mercury’s HIV diagnosis in 1985 (which in reality didn’t occur until 1987).

Mercury lived until 1991 and Queen released two albums after his AIDS diagnosis – 1989’s The Miracle and 1991’s Innuendo. However, after serious consideration, Queen guitarist Brian May is putting the kibosh on questions of a sequel.

“Don’t think we didn’t think about it,” May told Rolling Stone. “We’ve talked. Basically we think, not at the moment. Things could change, I suppose, but I think it would be difficult.”

Despite those aforementioned albums, these were not easy years for Queen. May’s marital breakdown led him to the brink of suicide, while Mercury’s declining health prevented the band from touring. A film chronicling this period is unlikely to match the highs of Bohemian Rhapsody.

“I don’t think [making a film about those years] would be an uplifting thing to do,” said May. “I’m not saying it’s impossible because there is a great story there, but we don’t feel that’s the story we want to tell at the moment.”

Of course, there’s also the option of telling a different side of the Queen story. Some critics were dubious about the factuality of Bohemian Rhapsody and took umbrage at the lack of focus on Mercury’s childhood. Even so, May remains circumspect. “We don’t really think there’s another movie there. That’s the long and the short of it,” he said.