Rami Malek admits he feared taking another gay role after playing Freddie Mercury

Oscar winner Rami Malek revealed he was initially hesitant to take on another queer role following his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Speaking to Variety at the Cannes Film Festival, Malek discussed starring in The Man I Love, a new gay romance drama directed by Ira Sachs. The actor admitted he had concerns about stepping into another LGBTQ-centered project after the massive success of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Malek said he worried about being viewed through a narrow lens after his Oscar-winning turn as Mercury, explaining that he questioned whether audiences or the industry would see him differently if he accepted another gay role so soon afterward.

Despite those fears, Malek said the emotional depth of The Man I Love ultimately convinced him to join the film. The movie is set during the AIDS crisis and follows interconnected relationships shaped by love, grief, and identity.

During the interview, Malek also reflected on the lasting impact Freddie Mercury has had on him personally, saying the legendary Queen frontman still remains “in my soul.” He described the experience of portraying Mercury as transformative and said the role continues to influence the choices he makes as an actor.

The Man I Love premiered at Cannes to strong reactions and marks another major dramatic role for Malek following his Academy Award-winning performance in Bohemian Rhapsody.