There are few people in music history as recognizable as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury — and not just his face, but his four-octave voice and flamboyant physicality. Rami Malek is well aware of that fact.

“When you’re able to open your eyes and see a different person staring back at you in the mirror,” Malek says, recalling his first time in hair and makeup, “it’s a very affirming moment.”

The Mr. Robot star is preparing to play Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (out Dec. 25, 2018), the Bryan Singer-directed film that chronicles Queen from 1970, when Mercury teamed with Brian May and Roger Taylor, until the band’s performance at Live Aid in 1985, six years before the singer died of complications from AIDS. Malek channels Mer­cury’s look from that global-­concert event. Resembling the legendary musician, he says, “only adds to the level of confidence that one would need to play Freddie Mercury.” – EW

We have still a ways to go before Bohemian Rhapsody hits theaters, but whenever an actor takes on the part of playing another famous celebrity, it’s always important to get the look right. I think it’s safe to say Malek as Mercury is more than alright:

Photo: EW

Beyond the look, the attribute most commonly associated with Mercury is his voice, which I like to describe as a combination between an angel whispering in your ear and all of your wildest dreams coming true. Christmas 2018 can’t get here soon enough.

-Ryan