Benicio wanted for 'Star Trek' villain

Del ToroAbramsThough most roles are cast in Vital and Skydance's "Star Trek" follow up, the mysterious villain part was still being available -- and today J.J. Abrams makes his choice. Sources near to the project tell Variety that Benicio Del Toro is anticipated to become offered the part, possibly prior to the weekend has gone out. Associates say Del Toro has met with Abrams but, in order to keep your role a secret, still does not know precisely what it's. Componen and Skydance didn't have discuss the casting process. Abrams has returned to direct with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof penning the script. Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, and David Ellison will produce through Bad Robot and Skydance Productions. Production is anticipated to begin at the begining of 2012. Del Toro most lately finished production on Universal's "Savages." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com