‘Downton’ star joins cast of Queen biopic movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

Allen Leech is the latest addition to the cast of Bohemian Rhapsody, the new movie about British rock band Queen.

The 36-year-old Irish actor, best known for playing Tom Branson in all six seasons of Downton Abbey, will take the role of Queen singer Freddie Mercury’s personal manager, Paul Prenter.

Directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns) from a script by Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road), the movie begins filming this autumn.

Bohemian Rhapsody also stars Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) as Freddie Mercury, Ben Hardy (EastEnders) as drummer Roger Taylor, Gwilym Lee (Midsomer Murders) as lead guitarist Brian May, and Joe Mazzello (Jurassic Park) as bass guitarist John “Deacy” Deacon.

Allen Leech’s character, Paul Prenter, was employed by Freddie Mercury for nine years and wielded great influence until he was fired in 1986 after selling stories to UK newspapers about the lead singer’s lifestyle and how his former lovers were dying of AIDS.

Bohemian Rhapsody will be released in US cinemas on December 25, 2018.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection is available to buy now.

The Downton Abbey movie is expected to start filming early next year.