According to Deadline Baron Cohen left due to 'creative differences' with the surviving members of Queen over the film's rating. The band had script and directing approval and wanted the film to be constricted to a PG rating whereas Baron Cohen wanted the film to be rated R.
With all due respect the members of Queen probably want a PG rating to avoid some of the more outlandish and controversial parts of Mercury's life being told. How is that their call? Baron Cohen is an actor who doesn't work under restraints and with a painfully restricting rating like this the film could turn into a family entertaining piece of crap. To pay Mercury the respect he deserves his life should be told honestly and not be sugar coated. Warts and all! Mercury's life was dark in places and this film (if still on the cards) should tell it as it is.
I am disappointed that Baron Cohen has left since it would have been a good way for him to stretch his dramatic range and even perhaps earn himself an Oscar nomination. I know he has the ability he just needs the right dramatic role. I can see nobody else playing Freddie Mercury and Queen have lost much of my respect over this. Rant over!
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