Benedict Cumberbatch has boarded J.J. Abrams upcoming sequel to 2009's Star Trek, Star Trek 2. We reported earlier that Noel Clarke also had joined the project.

It isn't known what character Cumberbatch will portray, although it is certain he will have a lead role in the film as a villain.

Benedict Cumberbatch joins Noel Clarke, Alice Eve and Peter Weller as cast members who weren't a part of 2009's Star Trek. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, and John Cho are expected to reprise their roles from the 2009 blockbuster.

J.J. Abrams is directing Star Trek 2 from a screenplay by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof.

Production is scheduled to begin on January 15.