One of the first time, I heard about this was

the producers calling me on the phone and

asking if I would come to Los Angeles.

He was considering me for this role of Freddie Mercury.

He came in and I was like wow.

This is Freddie.

I mean it wasn't just acting, it was something that came natural at him.

When you set out to play for Freddie Mercury,

you think "how am I ever going to fill those shoes?"

It's momentous responsibility but one that I was very eager to take on.

So this is "Queen"?

And you must be Freddie Mercury.

You got a gift.

You don't wanna mimic Freddie, you want to be able to understand why he did what he did.

I had some top choreographers come in and realized choreographers not going to help me.

I needed a movement coach.

I spent a lot of time wit Rami trying to work out little mannerism tricks.

Every eye lift, every turn, every flick of the microphone.

Rami, he just disappeared entirely.

The way he moves and talks is so Freddie that

it's completely magical.

Rami's worked so hard,

any given moment he was always practicing Freddie's moves.

But he also he's found a real humanity to this character

that I don't think many people see.

We had about fifty hours of costume fittings with heals that were four inches platform.

Tightest fitting, sudden pants, and entire lycra outfits.

When you dress as Freddie does, makes everyday feel like it's going to be a good time.

We are gonna shock the audience.

It's one of the best performance I've seen for a very very long time.