Mexican actor Demian Bichir is probably best known for his Best Actor nomination for his sensational performance in "A Better Life." You will most likely see him next in Robert Rodriguez's "Machete Kills" which is a sequel to "Machete." While covering that news,
Variety's Jeff Sneider shared an intriguing bit of
Star Trek 2 scoopage.
Sources told Variety late last year that director J.J. Abrams had expressed interest in casting Damien Bichir as the villain in "Star Trek 2," but the actor had already committed to starring in a Mexican stage production of "Swimming With Sharks" that his younger brother Bruno was directing. Bichir had already delayed his participation in the play to topline "A Better Life" and recur on Showtime's "Weeds," so rather than bailing for another major Hollywood film, he stayed true to his word and honored his commitment to his brother.
The role is now in the hands of
Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, but Bichir shouldn't feel too bad since he wasn't the only actor to pass on the role. If you'll remember Benicio del Toro ("Wolfman") was offered the role originally, and then a handful of actors were considered until JJ set his phasers on Cumberbatch.
It's interesting that JJ had such a strong interest in Latin American actors for the part, and one must consider that as a clue to whom the villain will most likely be. Cough...Khan...cough...cough.
"Star Trek 2" stars Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Karl Urban, John Cho and Alice Eve. The film is expected to be in theaters
May 17, 2013.