He is the champion! Sacha Baron Cohen to play Freddie Mercury

This is the first bit of news from this project and I’m already on-board.

Sacha Baron Cohen has closed the deal to play Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a film focused on the band’s formative years, leading up to Queen’s appearance at Live Aid in 1985.

Peter Morgan (THE QUEEN, FROST/NIXON) is currently working on a script for the film. His most recent script HEREAFTER directed by Clint Eastwood premiered last Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival. No director has been chosen for the project.

A rights package has been set that includes these songs from Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Another One Bites The Dust, and You’re My Best Friend. There’s no word yet on whether or not Baron Cohen will display his vocal talents for the role. He used his pipes for SWEENEY TODD, but can he even touch Mercury’s devastatingly amazing range? I’m sure we will hear it in some parts of the film if they do give Baron Cohen the go.

Sadly as most of you already know, Mercury passed away on November 24, 1991 from AIDS complications. Deadline says that Mercury’s last days will not be the subject of the film.

The untitled film will be financed by GK Films (THE TOWN, THE RUM DIARY, EDGE OF DARKNESS) partners Graham King and Tim Headington, who’ll produce in partnership with Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal’s Tribeca Productions, and Queen Films. King confirmed the Queen deal, “Queen is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and a music brand all unto itself. Freddie Mercury was an awe-inspiring performer, so with Sacha in the starring role coupled with Peter’s screenplay and the support of Queen, we have the perfect combination to tell the real story behind their success.”