Freddie Mercury biopic gets the green light

Rumours and various sources have circulated for what feels like an eternity, but the Freddie Mercury biopic has now been given the green light by Sony Pictures.

Anthony McCarten, writer of Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory Of Everything, has been brought on the pen the script, and the previously-pencilled Sacha Baron Cohen has departed the lead role. Instead, Ben Whishaw has been circled as favourite to play Mercury himself in the film, which will go into production in June of next year.

In addition to Whishaw in the main role, Johnny Flynn is down to depict Queen’s Roger Taylor and Gemma Arterton is also said to be playing Mercury’s longtime partner, Mary Austin. The news comes following Channel 4’s recent announcement that they would be focussing on more music-based programming and biopics after the runaway success of Amy, and the confirmation of an Oasis documentary from the makers of said Winehouse doc.