Allen Leech on Bohemian Rhapsody and Downton Abbey Movie

Allen Leech on Bohemian Rhapsody and the Downton Abbey Movie
Last week in London, I attended the world premiere of Bohemian Rhapsody at Wembley Arena. Unlike most premiere venues, which are lucky to hold a thousand people, Wembley Arena is a massive building that normally hosts concerts and other live events. So for the world premiere of the Queen movie, 20th Century Fox filled the arena up with around seven thousand people, and during the film’s big moments it truly became an interactive experience. When Queen is shown in the studio coming up with the beginning of “We Will Rock You,” the crowd was clapping and stomping along with the band. Then, during the Live Aid portion of the film, when the band is singing “Radio Ga Ga,” the crowd again made it feel like being at a Queen concert - and an experience I’ll never forget.
The day before the world premiere, I was able to talk with Allen Leech. He talked about playing Paul Prenter and his relationship Freddie Mercury, Brian May’s reaction to his work, his reaction seeing Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury for the first time, what it means to premiere at Wembley, filming the Love of My Life scene, and more.
In addition, Leech talked about making the Downton Abbey movie and said the film is “a continuation of their lives but on a much more epic scale. Something occurs in the family and other outside sources that makes it go from a TV show into a movie.” He also went on to say you won’t have to have seen the show to enjoy the movie.
Finally, while the entire cast was great in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek’s performance was on another level. No matter what review you read or who you talk to, everyone is raving about his amazing performance as Freddie Mercury. His work alone is reason to see the movie.
Scripted by Anthony McCarten (Darkest Hour), Bohemian Rhapsody follows the band Queen from their early days playing pubs to becoming one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. The film also stars Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Aaron McCusker.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE COLLIDER NETWORK
Collider Videos: bit.ly/2n1MZb7
Collider Games: bit.ly/2vszg0Z
Collider Quick: bit.ly/2OyLjSU
Collider Sports: bit.ly/2Au5rmv
Collider Podcast Network: bit.ly/1qU5ENT
Pro Wrestling Sheet: bit.ly/2LKhWzy
Follow us on Twitter: / collidervideo
Follow us on Instagram: / collidervideo
Follow us on Facebook: / colliderdotcom
As the online source for movies, television, breaking news, incisive content, and imminent trends, Collider is more than an essential destination. Visit Collider: collider.com

[@dannahayot]

Allen is so Underrated 😪....

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

He’s not. He’s been in a lot of really good movies

[@ShilohBoca]

He deserves multiple nominations. I saw the movie again, everything was wonderful till he came in. Imagine how the band felt being around the real Paul. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@martinapaulikova1312]

I can't stop watching Bohemian rhapsody because Paul/Allen. I love him.

[@panagiotisgkountoumas9022]

They hated him Rodger wanted to kick him in the ass they called him Paul the leech and so many more

[@mishellekap1579]

Allen is brilliant actor! He deserves much more appreciation

[@zydake8166]

Man i hated Paul. He did a good job

[@meme-sw1pc]

I know, in the theatre there were quite a few cheers when freddie told him he was out.

[@cjb32]

@@meme-sw1pc yeah i was like way to go Freddie.

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

@@meme-sw1pc It didn’t actually happen like that tho yk

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

@@cjb32 Yeah but he doesn’t do it like that in real life

[@GSpareBurner]

When the antagonist actor makes you hate them during the film, and it’s supposed to, that actor imo has done a great job! Because the actor themselves could be very different than the character, I hate Paul but I admire Allen’s talent, it takes a special actor that makes you hate them and love them at the same time.

[@cherylmontebon]

I can't stop watching Boh Rhap

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

It’s not even accurate tho. Like at all. And people watch it and think it is

[@ChloeRobinson-o3i]

​@@AC_RDR2_Qbecause they can't perfectly recreate it

[@verseau8360]

Mr. Leech, Bravo!! I didn’t realize that you played Paul in this film until the 2nd time I watched it, and I’m a huge DA fan! That is a sign of an excellent actor! You played the character so well that I couldn’t tell it was you! I was seriously blown away when I realized it was you!

[@briananelson1131]

He sounds just like Paul. Chills

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

Bro what? No he doesn’t. They just have similar accents

[@ChloeRobinson-o3i]

Why are u correcting everybody, I love queen but in not correcting everybody

[@ChloeRobinson-o3i]

​@@AC_RDR2_Q.

[@applechip6748]

my god, he's hilarious!

[@martinapaulikova1312]

I love him in Bohemian rhapsody. He deserves Oscar for this rolle. Brilliant actor. Paul is my favorite character. Fruit fly and leech :)

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

Paul is your favourite character? What do you mean

[@ChloeRobinson-o3i]

OK tbh Paul was horrible in real life he did many bad things

[@nidhikispotta7338]

I remember Allen from The imitation game. He portrayed the negative character there as well.

[@overdrve3374]

How the hell does thic cinnamon roll play a convincing role as a fruit fly that everyone hates

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

Bro what?

[@overdrve3374]

@@AC_RDR2_Q you've just resurfaced terrible memories this is embarassing

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

@@overdrve3374 I am terribly sorry. I often find comments i’ve posted years ago and want to off myself lmao. Why do we always do the weirdest things and think they are cool until a year later

[@AlexSoetekouwProductions]

I know this guy from Assassin's Creed III

[@angiethesinger]

Same :D

[@ashmitkumar3429]

I know him from Downton Abbey. Even though I watched Bohemian Rhapsody and played Assassin Creed III before watching Downton Abbey, it's only later I found out about his other roles. Actually, I realized today that he is the same actor who played Paul. 🔥🔥

[@ChloeRobinson-o3i]

I hate paul prenter but allen did such a good job ( not saying I hate Allen)

[@Hamhockss]

Off topic but i lik that hes a little bit chubby

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

bruh

[@Kenquinones]

God bless Ireland, this man is gorgeous

[@nataliyanabakova7419]

allen is ireland's gift to everyone else

[@mutyadelgado5411]

he deserves an oscar.

[@hippicajun41]

He's very nice, But he played a butt whole.

[@katrinamaniscalco6821]

😂