Borat star signed up for new role

Sacha Baron Cohen as character Borat. Picture / Reuters

Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly signed up to appear in a big-screen version of Sweeney Todd.

The comedian will play Signor Adolfo Pirelli, a barber who becomes Todd's nemesis, in director Tim Burton's film of the musical.

Burton's long-term partner, Helena Bonham Carter, will star as Mrs Lovett, who teams with Todd to kill people, grind them up and use them in her meat pies.