Rami Malek says PRESSURE of playing Bond villain like Bohemian Rhapsody's Freddie Mercury

Earlier this year Bohemian Rhapsody star Malek won an Oscar for playing Queen singer Freddie Mercury. And now he’s started shooting the latest James Bond movie as its villain opposite Daniel Craig. But playing such a part in the iconic franchise is something the actor doesn’t take likely, comparing the pressure of getting it right to how he portrayed Freddie. Speaking with Digital Spy, the 38-year-old said: “I feel a substantial weight on my shoulders.”

Malek continued: “I mean, Bond is something that we all grow up with.

“The one thing I have going for me is I played one beloved Brit in Freddie Mercury and I pulled that off, so I feel like I can possibly have a shot at playing the villain in a Bond film.”

Asked if this meant his Bond 25 villain would be British, the actor replied: “I didn’t say that.

“No, the other beloved Brit is Bond and I am obviously not playing him.”

He added: “We’ve already filmed in Norway for a week.

“That’s where I got to work with [director] Cary Fukunaga and our incredible cinematographer, Linus Sandgren. They are a great team. So far, so good. So far, so great.”

“During the hiatuses, or weeks off [from Mr Robot], I have had the luxury and privilege of going to work on the next James Bond film. It is taxing. I will not lie; it is very, very taxing.”

Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on April 3, 2020.