Movie and music fans alike are in high anticipation for the upcoming biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which chronicles the formation of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen, in the 1970s through to the band’s world-renowned performance at Live Aid in 1985.

Bryan Singer is directing the feat and Mr Robot star Rami Malek is taking on the role of Freddie Mercury, one of the biggest music icons of all time.

Speaking with EW, who revealed a first look at the actor in character yesterday (on what would have been the singer's 71st birthday), Malek said this of seeing himself in hair and make-up as Freddie for the first time: “When you’re able to open your eyes and see a different person staring back at you in the mirror, it’s a very affirming moment.”

He added that resembling the musician “only adds to the level of confidence that one would need to play Freddie Mercury.”

Freddie Mercury had a voice like no other and for the film, recordings of it will be mixed with Malek’s voice. He explains: “We’re going to use Freddie as much as possible and use myself as much as possible. I’m in Abbey Road [Studios] right now if that should say anything to you. I’m not working on my acting.”

Singer added that Bohemian Rhapsody is “not a traditional biopic” and said it would “honor” the darker side of Freddie’s story, as well as be “a celebration.” The film is scheduled for release in late December 2018.