As we approach the start of principal photography, the cast for J.J. Abrams as yet Untitled Star Trek Sequel has been filling out rapidly in the past few days, led by the announcement that British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has secured the role of the primary antagonist – a part that had previously been linked to Benicio del Toro.
So far the identity of the main villain remains a secret, although rumours have pointed to everyone from fan-favourite Khan Noonien Singh to Harry Mudd and Helmsman Mitchell, while it’s also been wildy speculated that the film will feature the Klingons and their arch-enemies, the Tribbles.
Along with Cumberbatch, other names to join the cast include Noel Clarke (Doctor Who, Kidulthood), Alice Eve (Men in Black III), Peter Weller (RoboCop), Nazneen Contractor (24) and Joseph Gatt (Thor). They will of course be joined by returning players Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (Bones), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), John Cho (Sulu), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Anton Yelchin (Chekov) and Bruce Greenwood (Pike).
The Star Trek sequel has been penned by Damon Lindelof (Prometheus), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (Cowboys & Aliens) and is set to begin filming on January 15th ahead of a scheduled 3D release on May 17th, 2013.
