Sacha Baron Cohen set to play Freddie Mercury in upcoming film

MELBOURNE - “Borat” actor Sacha Baron Cohen has been cast to play Freddie Mercury in an upcoming movie about the iconic British rock band ‘Queen’.

The movie will be the first time the surviving members of ‘Queen’ rian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon - have agreed to license songs and music publishing rights for a movie about the band, reports Deadline.

The three formed Queen Films to take part in the production of the movie.

The untitled film will feature hits global such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are the Champions’.

However, it has not been revealed if Baron Cohen would sing in the film or if Mercury’s original vocals would be used.

“Freddie Mercury was an awe-inspiring performer, so with Sacha in the starring role coupled with Peter (Morgan’s) screenplay and the support of Queen, we have the perfect combination to tell the real story behind their success,” the Courier Mail quoted the project’s financier GK Films as saying.

Before his death, at age 45 from complications from AIDS, Mercury was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals as lead singer for the classic rock group - one of the best selling music artists of all time. (ANI)