2 
Alien-esque Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch managed to persuade JJ Abrams to give him the Star Trek baddie role, not by auditioning, but by cobbling together his own pitch on an iPhone.
According to quotes in the New York Times, Cumberbatch filmed himself acting out Star Trek’s villain role on his iPhone, late at night in a friend’s kitchen, while in a state he describes as “pretty strung out.”
Which sounds perfectly reasonable, as who hasn’t re-enacted The Wrath of Khan’s most memorable moments while rather worse for wear in a mate’s kitchen?
It did the job, mind, with Abrams claiming it was “one of the most compelling audition readings I’d ever seen” and eventually giving Cumberbatch the coveted Star Trek villain role in the rebooted franchise’s upcoming sequel. Sounds like we might have the Ricardo Montalban of this generation to look forward to. [Guardian]
Image Credit: Benedict Cumberbatch via Shutterstock
After Failing to Protect the Olympics, G4S Decides to Audition for X-Factor
Even From Behind Glass, Cumberbatch Somehow Looks Menacing in Star Trek Into Darkness
These Incredible New Star Trek Into Darkness Shots Show It's All Guns Blazing For Cumberbatch
I liked his ‘Sherlock’ so fingers crossed he pulls off the Star Trek role
I agree. The guy is a great actor.
Ha! Congrats on the star!
Meant congrats on the star to you, reply fail.
Thanks, feels like it’s been a long time coming….I’ll respect the ‘star’.
I’m so happy that Star Trek has had such a fantastic reboot. Can’t wait for the sequel. I can see this guy being a great villain
Am I right in thinking it’s unconfirmed whether he’s Khan, or some other previously-unknown villain, but that everyone in the entire world who isn’t working on the film is really really desperately hoping that he is indeed Khan?