Queen's Brian May Says Freddie Mercury Biopic 'Fully Under Way' for Band's 40th

Queen guitarist Brian May revealed an array of projects for 2011 which will celebrate Queen's 40th anniversary, including a feature film on the life of the band's late lead singer Freddie Mercury.

Posting on his website Jan. 10, May said work is "now fully under way" for the film project, which Spinner previously reported. "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!"

The guitarist added that the film shoot is being prepared for later this year with a tentative release date of autumn 2012.

As well, there are also plans for a film adaptation of the band's hit musical 'We Will Rock You,' with May adding that they've received "a great script for it" from Ben Elton, who penned the hit musical.

On the album front, May said there will be a new mastered set of the original Queen LPs and CDs after switching labels from EMI to Island Records this year. "I know our fans will appreciate the attention to detail, bringing the early albums closer than ever to the magic of the vinyl originals but with the benefit of up-to-the-minute quality technology."

Watch Queen's Video for 'I Want to Break Free'
Finally, May also hinted there might be new material coming in some form or fashion. "And we have a couple of interesting new buns in the studio oven, about which more soon," he said, adding he has some selected British dates later this year. "But Roger and I keep an ever-open door for ideas for Queen, the band, which, somehow, refuses to lie down!"

Queen -- who lost Mercury in 1991 -- last toured with Paul Rodgers in 2008 in support of their studio album 'The Cosmos Rocks.' The tandem announced in 2009 that they had amicably parted ways.