Anthony McCarten, the scribe behind Theory of Everything, has been brought on board to sort out the beleaguered production of the Freddie Mercury biopic.

The first draft, written by Frost/Nixon playwright Peter Morgan, failed to get the greenlight.

The film has also seen the departure of its leading man, Sacha Baron Cohen, who was pegged for the Mercury role.

Baron Cohen was said to have left over "creative differences" with Brian May andRoger Taylor of Queen.

Ben Whishaw is the replacement for Baron Cohen.

The cast also includes musician Johnny Flynn as Taylor and Gemma Arterton as Mercury's longtime partner, Mary Austin.

No director has been attached.

Production is scheduled to begin in 2016.