While we’re still no closer to knowing whether or not the villain in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek sequel is actually fan favourite Khan Noonien Singh, this week we have finally learned who will be playing the role. Late last year, Benicio Del Toro officially passed on the opportunity, and it was being reported that Edgar Ramirez (Carlos) had entered into talks to replace him. Since they were both Latin American actors, it seemed a safe assumption that Khan was definitely the character being cast. However, in a surprise move, it appears that British actor Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) has been secured for the role instead. Cumberbatch will join fellow BBC star Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), who has also signed on for the film.

Yesterday, Deadline reported that Cumberbatch had been cast in a “lead role” in the film, but did not know whether he would play a hero or villain. Variety has since cleared up the confusion, confirming that he will be a villain and that it is the very same role that Ramirez had auditioned for. While no other information about his character has been given, Noel Clarke is said to be playing “a family man with both a wife and daughter.” They will join Alice Eve and Peter Weller, the latter of which is said to be playing a CEO of some sort.

It’s pretty clear that this is a huge deal for Cumberbatch, and his career is continuing to skyrocket thanks in large part to the universal praise for his performance as Sherlock Holmes on the BBC series Sherlock. With recent roles in War Horse and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, plus an upcoming gig as the voice of Smaug in The Hobbit, it’s safe to say that this will be his biggest exposure yet. However, the news is bound to confound Star Trek fans, who were told that the villain of the movie would be a familiar one. So what do you think, is J.J. Abrams taking Khan in a new direction, or is Cumberbatch playing a totally different villain?