London, Mar 26 (IANS): Hollywood actress Blake Lively is in talks to play legendary musician Freddie Mercury's former girlfriend Mary Austin in the forthcoming biopic about the late Queen singer.

The 25-year-old is expected to play opposite actor-comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.

Mercury and Austin were introduced by Queen's guitarist Brian. They were inseparable in the early 1970s until Mercury had an affair with a male American record executive at Elektra Records.

However, they remained close friends until his death in 1991.

The film rumoured to be directed by Tom Hooper. And Cohen is said to be undertaking intense training to copy Mercury's powerful singing voice and mannerisms.

"Cohen is a huge Queen fan and is focused on getting Mercury's mannerisms, style and speech perfect," femalefirst.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

"He is working on building his vocals. It is an uphill task, because Mercury has such a unique power and tone," the source added.