It’s no secret that Bohemian Rhapsody has taken the world by storm.
Of particular note is the overwhelmingly positive reception Rami Malek has received for his work as Freddie Mercury, and it’s got music fans thinking how other musical icons could be portrayed in movies.
Cue wild speculation on a hypothetical portrayal of Chris Cornell in a Soundgarden biopic.
The Chris Cornell tribute page, set up in the wake of his death and boasting over 23,000 members, has been mulling the question over, producing over 200 comments of possible actors to step into the role.
Some options are incredible, some forgettable, and many just downright bizzare. However, a scan of the comments has thrown up some pretty cool options. Opinions at the ready; here are five options for who could portray Chris Cornell in a theoretical Blackhole Sun movie.
Val Kilmer
Kilmer in The Doors
Val Kilmer is no stranger to a good biopic. He portrayed a tortured, drug-fuelled Jim Morrison in The Doors, the 1991 feature length that focused on Morrison and his eventual death. The film was not received well by fans, press and bandmates alike for the portrayal of Morrison- but given Kilmer’s familiarity with the brooding artist it might work out?
Bradley Cooper
Bradey Cooper is no stranger to rocking on-screen
Potentially only having his name thrown into the ring due to his recent work alongside Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born, Cooper has the rugged look of a rock-star and the guitar chops to go along with it. In addition, he’s no stranger to battling personal demon’s, noting that his struggle with alcohol in the past led him to some, particularly dark paths. Having been in that headspace, Cooper could have the experience to be particularly convincing.
Christain Bale
The batman has an uncanny resemblance to Cornell
Potentially earning his nomination on looks alone, Bale sure looks like a post-grunge rocker with that ’95 grit. With a huge, dynamic roster of films under his belt, Bale certainly has the breadth of experience to pull off a tasteful rendition of Cornell. He even portrayed a music journalist in the 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, which took a deep dive into the long-dead Cock Rock phenomena. Slightly different style…but who knows?
Check out Christian Bale shares his thoughts on Velvet Goldmine
Milo Ventimiglia
It wouldn’t take much to turn Milo into a convincing Cornell
A wildcard, but he’s got the look and he sure as hell has the acting chops. With credits ranging between Gilmore Girls and playing Rocky Balboa Jr. in Creed II, Ventimiglia would certainly bring a dynamic flavour to the role of Cornell. Pulling him away from his main role on This Is Us for a few months of grungy indulgence could pose a problem, but it would sure as hell work.
Johnny Depp
Depp in Guitar Hero mode in The Hollywood Vampires
Saving the best until last, the musical credits that Depp boasts make a compelling argument for his theoretical casting. Best known for being a member of Hollywood supergroup Hollywood Vampires alongside Alice Cooper & Joe Perry (Aerosmith), sessioning on multiple movie soundtracks (Chocolat, Once Upon a Time In Mexico), the odd Oasis hit (did you know he plays slide guitar on Fade In-Out?) & regular music video cameos, Depp is technically as much a rock star as he is an actor. What more could you ask for?
Listen to Depp’s slide guitar chops in this track
The musical movie is certainly having a resurgence in 2018, so why not join in the speculation? Join the group here.
