Why Adam Lambert Refused to Play Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody — His Reason Left Fans Speechless…
When Bohemian Rhapsody hit theaters in 2018, it became a cultural phenomenon — a dazzling celebration of Queen’s music and the legacy of Freddie Mercury. But behind the scenes, fans were shocked to discover that one of the most natural choices to portray Freddie — Adam Lambert — had been considered… and turned it down.
At first, the decision left people confused. Adam Lambert had been performing as Queen’s frontman for years. His voice, charisma, and respect for Freddie had earned him not just praise from fans, but glowing endorsements from Brian May and Roger Taylor themselves. So why would he walk away from a chance to play Freddie on the big screen?
The answer, as Lambert revealed in a later interview, was one of deep humility, respect, and self-awareness — and it stunned the world.
“I’m Not Him. I Never Will Be.”
Adam Lambert sat down for an in-depth interview in late 2019, well after the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, to set the record straight. The interviewer asked the question that many fans had been wondering:
“Was there ever a conversation about you playing Freddie Mercury in the film?”
Lambert smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it came up,” he said. “There were talks early on. I think people just assumed it was a natural fit because I’d been singing Queen’s songs for years. But I said no.”
When asked why, Lambert didn’t hesitate.
“Because I’m not Freddie. I never will be. And I didn’t want to pretend to be.”
Those words hit hard. Not because they were dismissive — but because they were full of reverence.
A Legacy Too Big to Imitate
For Lambert, the decision wasn’t about fear or insecurity. It was about reverence for a man whose artistry and legacy he refuses to dilute.
“Freddie was one of a kind,” Lambert explained. “He was wild, he was fearless, and he was unpredictable in the most magical way. You can’t capture that with an impression or a performance. That spirit? That was him. No one else.”
In his view, trying to play Freddie Mercury — especially in a scripted biopic — risked turning something wild and revolutionary into something “contained.” He feared that any attempt to embody Freddie might come off as imitation rather than homage.
“I didn’t want to wear a fake mustache and recreate history. I wanted to honor it — and I think that’s what I’ve been doing on stage with Queen.”
Rami Malek’s Performance — and Adam’s Endorsement
Rami Malek ultimately took on the daunting role of Freddie Mercury, winning an Academy Award for his portrayal. Lambert, far from being bitter or regretful, was one of the film’s most vocal supporters.
“Rami did an incredible job,” Lambert said. “It was his role to play, and he played it with so much heart and respect. He brought Freddie’s essence to a whole new generation.”
Fans were moved by Lambert’s grace — his refusal to step into the spotlight at the expense of someone else, and his belief that honoring Freddie didn’t mean becoming him.
A Voice That Chose Tribute Over Imitation
Since 2011, Adam Lambert has been touring the world as the frontman for Queen, under the banner “Queen + Adam Lambert.” From Wembley to Madison Square Garden, Lambert has stunned audiences not by replicating Freddie Mercury, but by being himself — unapologetically and passionately.
“They didn’t want a copy,” Lambert once said of Queen’s surviving members. “They wanted someone to sing the music with heart and soul — someone who could make it live again.”
And make it live again he did.
Brian May himself said in an interview:
“Adam doesn’t try to be Freddie. That’s what makes it work. He brings his own style, and that lets Freddie’s spirit shine through without being replaced.”
What This Means for His Fans
To many fans, Lambert’s decision was a masterclass in integrity.
In an industry often driven by ego, fame, and opportunity, he chose humility. He chose to step back so that Freddie’s memory wouldn’t be reduced to a cinematic formula. He chose authenticity over attention.
“You can honor your heroes without trying to be them,” Lambert said. “I’ve built my career standing on Freddie’s shoulders, not in his shoes.”
A Final Word
Years later, Bohemian Rhapsody still resonates — and so does Adam Lambert’s legacy with Queen.
He never played Freddie Mercury on film.
But every night on stage, when the spotlight hits, and the first note of “Somebody to Love” or “Who Wants to Live Forever” rings out — Adam Lambert does something more powerful than acting.
He channels Freddie’s spirit.
He brings the music to life.
And most importantly — he does it as Adam Lambert.
📌 What do YOU think of Adam’s choice? Do you agree with his reason? Share your thoughts below and let’s celebrate both of these iconic voices.
