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Fans of the BBC series SHERLOCK will be pleased to know the show’s star Benedict Cumberbatch has just been cast in director J.J. Abrams’ STAR TREK sequel, and as the villain! Cumberbatch recently appeared in both Steven Spielberg’s WAR HORSE and the British spy thriller TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY co-starring alongside Gary Oldman. Deadline and TrekMovie both claim to have the “Exclusive” on this casting tidbit, and Cumberbatch is said to have nabbed the role both Benecio del Toro and Edgar Ramirez were being considered for… hmmm, Khan? No word on exactly who he’s playing in the film, only that he’s the baddie. He joins British writer, director and actor Noel Clarke who was also just cast in an undefined role. Clarke is perhaps best known as playing “Mickey Smith” in DOCTOR WHO. Variety notes “he will play a family man with a wife and young daughter.” Yes, we know, that’s vague. Other notable casting additions for the sequel include Alice Eve (SHE’S OUT OF MY LEAGUE) and ROBOCOP star Peter Weller. Deadline also notes the film is also being shot in 3D, not post-converted – I hope that’s true. All of the first movie’s principle cast members are expected to return. The highly-anticipated follow-up is being scripted by Abrams with Damon Lindelof and written super team Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Personally, I’m hoping they don’t go the ‘Khan’ route, as there’s so many other options available, but with the alternate timeline they’re working with I guess anything is possible. Are you excited to see more Trek on the big screen? Tell us in the comments.
Paramount Pictures will release the STAR TREK sequel May 17, 2013