While being interviewed by Access Hollywood's Scott Mantz, Benedict assured Scott that he would not be portraying legendary Star Trek baddie Khan Noonien Singh in the forthcoming sequel slated for 2013.
In fact, he downplays the Khan rumors as "strange" and furthermore simply regards it as 'fun speculation'
Here's the exact excerpt from the conversation-
"A few have asked that which is strange, I play a character called John and not that other name" Benedict continued. "It’s interesting. Speculation is speculation and that’s all fun"
While being obviously coy in the interview, Benedict was however able to give us a few more nuggets of information on his character and even going so far as to saying that he hopes at one point or other in the film, we will be able to SYMPATHIZE with his character and the reasons he is doing what he's doing in the film. Read on for details!
~ "I play John Harrison who’s a terrorist and an extraordinary character in his own right," the Brit said. "He’s somebody who is not your two-dimensional cookie cutter villain. He’s got an extraordinary purpose, and I hope that at one point or other in the film you might even sympathize with the reasons he’s doing what he’s doing — not necessarily the means and the destruction he causes. But it was a great ride, not just because he’s the bad guy and the antagonist but also because he has a purpose and it’s hard not to see his point of view at certain points."
So according to Benedict and prior interviews with other crew-members, he's a villain we should most likely "sympathize" with...perhaps the plot has some connection with that sick little girl who was mentioned in the prologue? Perhaps that's his reason for doing what he's doing? Only time will tell And what do you all think of his dismissing of the Khan rumors? Still think he's Khan? I personally doubt this will simmer the Khan speculation as Mr. Cumberbatch had stated himself- "speculation is speculation and that's all fun" but if I were to take a bet- I'd bet against Khan popping up in this film at all. Post below in the usual place!