Israeli actor Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for his work in comedies like Borat and Bruno is slated to play legendary musician and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a movie about his life.

Peter Morgan, a screenplay writer is said to be behind the yet-untilted film. Morgan has been the force behind films such as The Queen and Frost/Nixon.

Production is set to begin next year, but no other members of the cast or crew have yet been named.

Freddie Mercury is the legendary singer and songwriter that co-founded the band Queen in 1971 with guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. Members of the band are said to be completely on board with this new project about their friend's life, and plan to oversee the music for the film. It is not yet known whether Baron Cohen will be attempting to sing in the film.

While many may consider the casting of Baron Cohen as somewhat of a shock considering many of his prior roles, Brian May reveals that they have been talking with him about this project for years, and it was no spur-of-the-moment decision.

Queen of course is the multi-platinum selling rockband behind classics like 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and 'We Will Rock You.'