With Benicio Del Toro passing on the role, Edgar Ramirez (CARLOS) has emerged as the top contender to play the villain in STAR TREK 2, reports Variety. He joins returning cast members Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, as well as franchise newcomers Peter Weller and Alice Eve.

J.J. Abrams is back as director. Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof penned the script. Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, and David Ellison are the producers.

Filming will start in early 2012. The stardate for the film's release is May 17, 2013.