Director J.J. Abrams has decided on actor Benicio Del Toro to play the new villain in Star Trek 2. A formal offer has not been made to the actor, although it is believed Paramount will issue the offer as early as this weekend.

Character details for this mysterious villain are being kept under wraps. It is said that Benicio Del Toro has met with J.J. Abrams to discuss the role, but even he wasn't given any details about the character.

J.J. Abrams will direct Star Trek 2 from a screenplay by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof. Production is scheduled to start in early 2012.

Star Trek cast members Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin are expected to return in Star Trek 2.