Star Trek 2 beams up Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch

When the crew of the Enterprise ventures into deep space in director JJ Abrams’ STAR TREK sequel, they’ll have to contend with a devious and brilliant mind: that of Benedict Cumberbatch, the star of BBC’s “Sherlock” (the modern interpretation of the character that’s more entertaining than the recent big-screen movies — sorry, Guy and RDJ).

Cumberbatch, who also appears in WAR HORSE and TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY, will be playing the movie’s villain (according to Variety), which many expect will be the new version of vengeful genetically engineered superhuman Khan Noonien Singh. The slender actor might seem an unconventional choice for a villain to be sure (regardless of the actual role), although anyone who’s witnessed Cumberbatch’s wonderfully brusque, cunning and occasionally explosive performance as 21st Century Holmes should be intrigued.

The first movie’s cast will all be back in their Starfleet uniforms, of course, joined by Alice Eve, Peter Weller and Noel Clarke, perhaps best known from “Doctor Who” (also from “Sherlock” writer-producer Steven Moffat). The TREK sequel, which will be either shot in or post-converted to 3D (reports are conflicting — just make the damn thing in IMAX please), is due May 17, 2013.