NEWS: Sacha Baron Cohen To Star As Freddie Mercury

Borat and Bruno star Sacha Baron Cohen has been confirmed to play the role of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a new film about the band.

The film, which will focus on the period leading up to the band's memorable Live Aid performance in 1985, is currently being penned by Frost/Nixon screenwriter Peter Morgan and will begin shooting next year.

Queen guitarist Brian May has said that Baron Cohen has been tied in with the project since talk started with Peter Morgan a couple years ago.

Producing the film will be Graham King of GK Films and also Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal's production company Tribeca. King spoke out about the upcoming project saying "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."

Brian May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor will oversee the music featured in the film, which will include songs not only by the band, but also by Mercury as a solo performer.