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Star Trek 2 has finally bagged itself a villain, and we’re delighted to reveal that it’s none other than Sherlock himself, Benedict Cumberbatch!
For months it had seemed as though Benicio Del Toro would be cast in J.J. Abrams’ sequel, but the Puerto Rican actor reportedly passed on the opportunity over a pay dispute.
Now the door has swung open for Cumberbatch, who has seized upon what is surely the biggest role of his career to date. Combined with his vocal role as Smaug the dragon in The Hobbit , it seems as though his place on Hollywood’s A-list is all but confirmed.
As for who he might play, details have yet to be released at this point. Khan Noonien Singh, the villain originally played by Ricardo Montalban, was the hot favourite when Del Toro was attached, and we don’t see why that would necessarily have changed now Cumberbatch is in place.
In any case, it’s great to see the multi-talented Cumberbatch get a chance to shine in a Hollywood blockbuster, and we can’t wait to see him bring his signature brand of icy detachment to the Star Trek universe.
He'll also be joined on set by another British actor in the form of Noel Clarke, who has also signed on for an as-yet unnamed role. Details are scarce at present, but Variety reports that Clarke will play "a family man with a wife and young daughter." Hmm, who fancies his chance of survival then?
Star Trek 2 is released in the US on 17 May 2013, with a UK release date yet to be confirmed.
