Bohemian Rhapsody Aims To Rock Over $35 million Opening
Variety.com: Fox’s Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” starring Rami Malek is expected to rock the box office with a debut over $35 million when it arrives in 4,000 theaters this weekend. That should easily be enough to best newcomers “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” and “Nobody’s Fool.”
It doesn’t look like the messy turmoil behind the camera has tainted anticipation for the film. Director Bryan Singer’s repeated absence from set caused Fox to temporarily halt production. Dexter Fletcher replaced Singer after he was fired toward the end of the shoot, though Singer will still retain sole directing credit. The biographical musical, co-produced by New Regency, is already off to a solid start overseas. It launched in the United Kingdom last weekend with a huge $12.2 million, ranking as one of the best debuts in that territory.
Set during the early 1970s, “Bohemian Rhapsody” chronicles Freddie Mercury’s life and the rise of Queen. It has elicited a mixed response from critics, though one consistent praise has been Malek’s spot-on portrayal of the eccentric frontman. Some pundits have predicted awards love in his future.
