Star Trek 2 Villain Cumberbatch To Face James Bond Next?

Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the villain in the forthcoming Star Trek Into Darkness and The Necromancer in Peter Jackson's trilogy of films based on The Hobbit, will reportedly star as the villain in the 24th, as-yet-untitled James Bond film, to begin filming next year following the release of Skyfall this winter. "Benedict is considered perfect Bond villain material," a source told the Daily Express. "Work on the next film will begin next year and the plan is for Benedict to be on board. He grew up watching Bond, so it would be a childhood ambition fulfilled. Playing a Bond villain is one of the plum roles in film history and he'd jump at the chance."

Following Skyfall, current Bond Daniel Craig will reportedly appear in at least two more films in the franchise.