This is pretty much just a rumor, and one that I have a lot of trouble believing, but supposedly Sacha Baron Cohen is in talks to play Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the biopic we told you about last fall. The 'news' comes from the Daily Mirror, which claims to have heard from an unidentified source that Cohen is a strong candidate for the role. The last we heard about casting ideas for the movie was that Johnny Depp was being offered the role, but it is very possible he's too busy to take it. Still, the likelihood that Cohen would be a fitting substitute is, in multiple ways, laughable.

According to the source, Cohen actually modeled the look of his Borat character on the likeness of Mercury. Certainly the resemblance is striking. Yet because of the resemblance, Cohen's portrayal of the singer would be too hindered by the connection. Is there any way that audiences could take the performance seriously if they are constantly being reminded of Borat? I don't think so. The source is quoted as saying that Cohen loves the idea that he could get away with playing a real person after aping his image, but Cohen has to be smart enough to realize that he couldn't in fact get away with it. He would have to be the greatest actor alive to pull it off. Of course, he could very well be. I just don't imagine the film's producers would take the risk to find out.

It was only just a little over a month ago when Jeffery had the news of an upcoming film on the life of rock legend Freddie Mercury. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that already rumors are flying fast and furious as to who is going to get play Mercury in the upcoming biopic.

An article in the UK newspaper The Independent * spoke with Queen guitarist Brian May about the project. May had announced that Johnny Depp might be in line for the part of Mercury. May was pretty guarded about making any promises, as he stated that "Discussions are at an early stage," with the actor. However, it seems like May and other band members are supportive of the idea of Depp in the role, saying Depp was "fantastic" and "He would be a worthy counterpart for Freddie on screen". The project is thought to be under Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Films, since DeNiro had put his own money behind the current Queen stage musical We Will Rock You, after meeting May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor at the Venice Film Festival in 1996.

Since this is all just speculation at this point, it could be a while before anyone signs on the dotted line. But, I have to admit it would be nice to see Depp on land again. If nothing else, if they decide re-enact the video for I Want To Break Free, at least we know for certain that Depp can handle walking in heels.

*Correction: The comments regarding Depp in the role originated on May's website and not in The Independent.

[via JoBlo.com]