It's been three months since "Borat" actor Sacha Baron Cohen revealed he'd take on the role of Freddie Mercury in a Queen biopic, but like many films that Hollywood announces, the road from pre-production to actual production doesn't always go smoothly (case in point, Eminem's "Southpaw," which has now taken a backseat to "Random Acts of Violence"). But Roger Taylor and Brian May gave a progress report on the Queen biopic to fansite Queen Online (via The Playlist), and it appears the film will begin shooting later this year with an autumn 2012 release date planned.
"Work is now fully underway for the much-vaunted feature film on the life of Freddie," Queen told fans. "[Screenwriter] Peter Morgan has delivered a first draft of the movie, which everyone is very excited about, and Sacha Baron Cohen is chomping at the bit to get into the role, in a way which certainly would delight Freddie!" Song licenses -- often a sticking point that derails music biopics -- won't be an issue this time around as producers have the green light to pillage the Queen discography. The Queen biopic will have some competition however; May and Taylor revealed a film is also in the works for the "We Will Rock You" stage musical, ensuring Queen will definitely be rocking cinemas in the coming years.
[Photo: Mick Rock]