At one point it was Benicio Del Toro who was set to play the villain in J.J. Abrams‘ highly anticipated Star Trek sequel, currently being called Star Trek 2. Edgar Ramirez was said to be a top choice to replace Del Toro after his departure, but now it’s being reported that another actor has been chosen for the role.

According to sources, Benedict Cumberbatch, the rising start known for his work on the fantastic BBC series Sherlock and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, will now play the villain of Star Trek 2, though details of the character are still being kept under wraps.

The reports are still young, but if it does play out that Cumberbatch is the new villain, it would put a damper on the many whispers that Del Toro and Ramirez would have been playing infamous Trek villain Khan. Could this still be for the role once played by the late Ricardo Montalban, or has the British actor been chosen to play someone else? Perhaps multiple villains will be in play for the sequel.

Cumberbatch is also seen in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and will be voicing two characters—the dragon, Smaug, and the Necromancer—in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit.

What do you think of Benedict Cumberbatch as the villain in Star Trek 2, and which villain are you hoping he’ll be playing?

[Source: Deadline, Variety]