A year ago, not many people would have been able to name a film directed by Dexter Fletcher. At that time, the filmmaker was primarily known as an actor, having appeared in dozens of films. His highest profile directing gig was with 2016’s “Eddie the Eagle.” However, that’s all changed, as Fletcher is seemingly the go-to guy for the very best rockstar musical biopic, thanks to his uncredited work on “Bohemian Rhapsody” and his role as helmer on the recent “Rocketman.”
And in a new interview with Gay Star News, Fletcher talks about how he had an idea for a special cameo in “Rocketman” that would have linked it to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and thus, created the world’s first rock biopic cinematic universe.
“There was an idea I had one point, where Elton’s in a restaurant with his mother,” said Fletcher. “I thought John Reid and Freddie [Mercury] could be at another table and they wave at each other!”
This, of course, was in response to being asked whether or not he ever thought about asking Rami Malek, who played Mercury (and won an Oscar for it) in last year’s ‘Rhapsody.’ And Fletcher famously stepped in for a fired Bryan Singer to help finish the Queen biopic. But obviously, if you’ve seen “Rocketman,” then you know that Malek doesn’t appear, and the hopes of yet another cinematic universe were squashed.
He added, “That would have been amazing, [but] it didn’t come to pass. It would’ve been a little too knowing…I’m not looking to set out to make a cinematic universe!”
To date, “Rocketman” has earned just over $101 million worldwide, which is pretty great for an R-rated biopic. However, it’s a far cry from the over $900 million that “Bohemian Rhapsody” pulled in. Now, Fletcher is perfectly right admitting that, creatively, having Malek appear in the film would have detracted from the Elton John story and probably been a bit too much of a wink to audiences.
That being said, you have to assume that Malek’s cameo would have caused a few people to buy tickets for the film that might have not done so before. Just saying, there could be money left on the table. Of course, Fletcher would likely rather have the accolades and a quality finished product to show for his work than a few extra bucks.
“Rocketman” is in theaters now.
