With the Sherlock star getting an introduction to America audiences this year in War Horse and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Benedict Cumberbatch is set to fully seep into Hollywood with roles in Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit prequels and J.J. Abrams‘ Star Trek 2. We’ve got the first look of him on the set of the latter film, and while it isn’t much to write home about it certainly confirms his role as a villain.
From MTV, we can see the returning Spock, Zachary Quinto, giving Cumberbatch his Vulcan Death Grip on what is described as “a Space Barge set.” The duo battle it out and it is reported that Cumberbatch “is able to overpower the grip and regain the upper hand in his struggle against the Star Fleet officer.” Will the fight be a little tougher this time around? We’ll have to wait and see, as I’m sure Abrams won’t tell us anything until we’re seated in theaters during summer 2013.
We’ve also got a much less exciting picture below of Zoe Saldana returning as Uhura, with phaser in hand. Also among the cast is Chris Pine, who returns with Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin and Bruce Greenwood. Joseph Gatt, Peter Weller, Noel Clarke, Nazneen Contractor and Alice Eve are newcomers along with Cumberbatch.
Star Trek 2 opens on May 17th, 2013.