Edgar Ramirez, Jordi Molla Up For The Villain Role In Star Trek Sequel (2013)

With Benicio Del Toro dropping out of the JJ Abrams Star Trek sequel, now comes word of two new actors up for the role of — possibly — Khan.

Variety reports that Edgar Ramirez (The Bourne Ultimatum) is now the lead choice to play the villain, with Jordi Molla (CSI: Miami) a close second.

Variety states that no offer has been made, and the studios has not commented, but states that Ramirez is supposed to test for the role via Skype some time this week, as production is set to begin soon, January 2012.

Regarding the role of Khan, while Abrams recently denied that the villain was in the movie, that could have just pertained to Del Toro starring as the iconic character. However, as Variety notes, the use of Latin actors seems to substantiate Khan’s inclusion, as mexican-born Ricardo Montalban played Khan in Star Trek II.

As some Trekkies have noted though, the main villian could just as easily be Klingon.

The as-of-yet unnamed Star Trek sequel is due in theaters May 17th, 2013 in 3D.