It was great to hear J.J Abrams confirm a sequel to his take on Star Trek. With a fantastic cast, story and special effects that carried the legacy of Star Trek to modern heights, it looks as though the process of Star Trek 2 will aim to further impress, as two new names have been added to the already impressive casting call…

Firstly, confirmed via Variety plus his own Twitter account last night, British actor/director/writer Noel Clarke has been given a role as a family man with a wife and daughter (neither of the two yet confirmed as cast). Mhilst in the US a majority will know him for his role as Mickey in the “Dr. Who” series – garnering acknowledgement of Sci-Fi experience – Noel Clarke is known amongst many more for writing the likes of “Kidulthood,” “Adulthood,” and “4.3.2.1,” writing all of them, directing the latter two. He is also set to feature in four movies currently in post-production this year, with “The Knot,” “Fast Girls,” “Storage 24″ and “Bliss!”. This will hopefully put Noel’s ‘Orange Rising Star Award’ he received at the BAFTA’s in 2009 to good use, as he is deserving his moment.

Secondly, and the most impressive casting so far, British actor Benedict Cumberbatch now awaits his moment to really shine, as reports in Deadline confirm he has been given a villain role for Star Trek 2. Cumberbatch will be known to fellow writer Gary Swaby as he stars in TV series “Sherlock” playing as none other than. He has also starred in “Atonement,” “War Horse,” and most likely noticed for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” He will also lend his voice in Peter Jackson’s upcoming movie of “the Hobbit” as Smaug the dragon.

As for what villain Benedict Cumberbatch will play, it is yet unknown. Originally Benecio Del Toro was the main man for the job to receive the villain role and play as Khan Noonien Singh, who in the original movies was played by Ricardo Montalban. Due to pay dispute, the Puerto Rican actor turned the role down that is now handed to the UK actor. It would not seem to be a problem however for Cumberbatch to take on the role as Khan and show what the actor really can possess amongst Hollywood’s A-listers.

As a big fan of Sci-Fi movies and very impressed with the first, Star Trek 2 looking to be something epic. Both Noel Clarke and Benedict Cumberbatch will join the return of John Cho, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban and Anton Yelchin, whilst also including the addition of Alice Eve and Peter Weller.

Set for 17th May next year, let us know your thoughts & opinions – Ready to see Khan?