Benedict Cumberbatch to play 'Star Trek 2' villain

"Sherlock" and "War Horse" star Benedict Cumberbatch will play the principal villain in the forthcoming "Star Trek 2."

Benedict Cumberbatch

Deadine first broke the news of Cumberbatch's casting, with TrekMovie.com and Variety confirming that the actor will be the villain. There is no word yet on who exactly he will play.

Until recently, Cumberbatch was best known in the U.S. for his role as Sherlock Holmes in BBC's modern take on the iconic character. Season two of "Sherlock" recently debuted in the U.K. and will appear in the states later this year.

His casting in "Star Trek" is only his latest break, however, with a role in Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," now in theaters. He also appeared in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and will portray Smaug the Dragon (via motion capture) and voice the Necromancer in Peter Jackson's two-part adaptation of "The Hobbit."

"Star Trek" director J.J. Abrams will return to helm the sequel based on a screenplay from Abrams, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. The sequel is set to hit theaters May 17, 2013.

The first film, released May 8, 2009, grossed $257 million domestically and $385 million worldwide.

J.J. Abrams directing 'Star Trek 2'

It was only a matter of time, although admittedly it took quite a bit more time than expected. J.J. Abrams has been confirmed as the director of "Star Trek 2."

The first film was released in 2009.

Abrams has been working on the script for the sequel with co-writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof since finishing the promotional tour for "Super 8."

"Star Trek 2" had been scheduled for a June 29, 2012, release but lost it to another sequel, "G.I. Joe 2." A new release date has not been revealed.

Vulture first broke the news, stating that according to sources pre-production is underway and the script will be complete by the end of September.

The first film, released May 8, 2009, grossed $257 million domestically and $385 million worldwide.

'Star Trek 2' loses its summer 2012 release day to 'G.I. Joe 2'

You win some, you lose some.

As for June 29, 2012, the day lost the followup to J.J. Abram's "Star Trek" and instead won "G.I. Joe 2." Not really an equitable trade, but you play the cards you're dealt.

Chris Pine is set to return at James Kirk

According to Deadline, Abrams is now working with screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof on the "Star Trek" sequel, but the project's delays pretty much guaranteed it wouldn't make the planned June 29, 2012, release.

So Paramount officially pulled it off the date, and replaced it with another of its sequels, the as yet untitled "G.I. Joe 2," which will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and had been set for an Aug. 10, 2012, release.

Meanwhile, Abrams hasn't actually signed on to direct "Star Trek 2," although he is producing and as mentioned above, helping with the script. It should only be a matter of time before he makes it official, however, that he will be at the helm of the Enterprise's adventures again.

Script still in the works for "Star Trek" sequel

Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk

The script for the anticipated sequel to J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" has been outlined and is awaiting the director's approval.

Co-writer Roberto Orci spoke with TrekMovie, saying, "Just been waiting for JJ to be free to really decide if he likes the story and hear his suggestions before we finish the script. Once he says go, we’ll have it in no time. Meanwhile, our outline is detailed enough (70+ pages!) to do some prep."

Orci is writig the script along with Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. Abrams, who directed the 2009 film, has not confirmed he will be in the captain's chair for the sequel. The movie is set for a June 29, 2012 release.

"Star Trek" grossed $257 million domestically and $385 million worldwide, by far the largest gross of any "Trek" film.