Today the chart-topping mega-band Queen took to their official website to make announcements for Bohemian Rhapsody, an upcoming biopic following the early life of the band and their late and great front-man Freddie Mercury. Queen is a British rock band that formed in 1970 and produced hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Somebody to Love”, “We Are the Champions”, “We Will Rock You”, and many many more. Lead singer Freddie Mercury, who was known as one of the most flamboyant and charismatic performers of all time, died in 1991 at the age of 45 from complications of an AIDS diagnosis.

The band has now confirmed that Bryan Singer, director of such film as The Usual Suspects and several X-Men installments, will be helming the film. In their announcement, Queen praised the director as having “extraordinary imagination and style”. Joining Singer is Emmy-winning actor Rami Malek (TV’s Mr. Robot) in the role of Mercury. Sacha Baron Cohen (Bruno) was originally attached to play the famous vocalist before dropping out due to disagreements with members of the band. According to bandmembers Roger Taylor and Brian May, “Rami has great presence and he’s utterly dedicated to the project. He’s completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is wonderful.”

Casting for the roles of Taylor, May, and bassist John Deacon are still underway. Taylor and May are serving as executive producers on the project and assure fans that the film is “as-close-as-that” to start shooting. Bohemian Rhapsody will enter pre-production next week with a projected shooting schedule to begin in September.