Star Trek Sequel (2013): Benedict Cumberbatch Cast As Villain

Another Brit joins the cast of J.J. Abrams Star Trek sequel, this time with Benedict Cumberbatch.

And according to Variety’s Jeff Sneider, Cumberbatch will be playing the villain – specifically the role Edgar Ramirez had auditioned for, which is of course the role Benito Del Toro was originally set to play.

Cumberbatch is known for Steven Moffat’s Sherlock Holmes series on the BBC. Fellow Moffat alumnus, Noel Clarke (Mickey Smith in Doctor Who), was just announced as a new Trekkie cast member as well. In addition, Cumberbatch is set to voice Smaug in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit as well as the character of the Necromancer.

The as-of-yet unnamed Star Trek sequel has a May 17th, 2013 release date in 3D.