The word broke earlier this month that J.J. Abrams had somebody specific in mind for the role of the villain in Star Trek 2: Benicio Del Toro. There was no word at the time as to whom Del Toro would be playing; supposedly Abrams hadn't even told the actor yet. Speculation ranged from Del Toro playing a new version of Khan Noonien Singh, to possibly playing a new Klingon antagonist, to...well, who knows? We still don't know what role Del Toro will be tackling if he signs on for Star Trek 2, but now Abrams has dropped a few tidbits about why he thinks Del Toro is perfect for the role...whatever that may be.
MTV's Movies Blog chatted up Abrams on the red carpet at Super 8's Blu-ray/DVD release in L.A, and the director/producer clarified that Del Toro isn't even in official negotiations for the role yet. "It's not even negotiations -- just in discussion," said Abrams. "But I would love to work with him. I've wanted to work with him for years, and this felt like a good opportunity."
When asked for more details about the role, Abrams responded with the expected vagaries and generalizations. He said that Del Toro is an "amazing actor"; that he "could sort of do anything." Very flattering for Mr. Del Toro, I'm sure, but not very good fuel for the rumor mill. Thankfully, Abrams said that we may not have to wait too long to find out more. Once the villain role is finally cast, he said, "that'll be public knowledge."
Despite his high praise for Del Toro, Abrams did list one character he thought would be outside the actor's range: Uhura. "I wouldn't buy that," said Abrams.
