Sacha Baron Cohen has closed a deal to play Queen front man Freddie Mercury in a film about the late lead singer for GK Films, Tribeca Productions and Queen Films reports Deadline.

 

Peter Morgan is currently at work on the script which focuses on the band’s formative years, leading up to Queen’s appearance at Live Aid in 1985 which is considered one of the all-time great live concert appearances.

 

The project has also scored the rights to including the band’s tunes, though it's unclear whether Baron Cohen will sing or Mercury’s real vocals will be used.

 

Mercury’s death from complications with AIDS in 1991 and his last days won’t be included in the film. Graham King, Tim Headington, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal will produce while production kicks off next year.

First time I heard this, I could not believe it. But now i am actually quite excited, I think Cohen might nail it.

I fervently hope so