Hooper to direct Mercury biopic?

According to both 'Deadline.com' and 'The Daily Telegraph' it looks as though 'Les Mis' director Tom Hooper could be in line to direct a new biopic about the late singer Freddie Mercury.

The film which is due to start filming this Spring has already had its star billing announced via Brian May's website last October. The Queen guitarist revealed that Sacha Baron Cohen will be playing the band's lead singer.

The untitled film, due to open in Spring 2014, is set to chronicle the life of the flamboyant vocalist up until his legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.

Already on board are 'The Queen' screenwriter Peter Morgan as well as Robert De Niro in the role of producer.

Apparently the Oscar-winning director of 'The Queen's Speech' and 'Les Misérables' has been approached several times to direct the biopic. Hooper's agent has so far declined to comment.