Queen's Brian May has said he is “very excited” about the forthcoming biography film about Freddie Mercury.

The movie, written by Peter Morgan, will focus on the band’s career up to their landmark performance at Live Aid in 1985.

May said work was now “fully under way” for the project, which will see Sacha Baron Cohen play the late Mercury.

“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,” May said.

Filming on the as-yet-untitled project is due to begin later this year, with the film's release expected in Autumn 2012.

As previously reported, Queen are re-issuing their back catalogue this year to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

(by Jason Gregory)