Freddie Mercury biopic to go into production next summer, starring Ben Whishaw

Freddie Mercury biopic to go into production next summer, starring Ben Whishaw

The long announced - and overdue - Freddie Mercury biopic to be helmed by Sony, after a stop due to Sacha Baron Cohen’s departure from the film, now seems ready to go into production.

Anthony McCarten, according to "The Tracking Board", has been brought into the picture to write the script (taking over duties from Peter Morgan, who was previously tasked with adapting Mercury’s story for film). The main character of Queen's frontman will be played by Ben Whishaw, joining a cast that also includes musician Johnny Flynn as Queen’s Roger Taylor and Gemma Arterton as Mercury’s longtime partner, Mary Austin.

Production will reportedly begin in June 2016.