2016 is looking like a great year for science fiction film fans- not only has Promethus 2 been rumored for an early 2016 release date (while that's not set in stone, it's certainly possible), the latest film in the Star Trek franchise will also be debuting next year (as well, expect Star Trek 3 to come up with a more creative title between now and 2016- something a little more like Star Trek Into Darkness).
And the latest news for Star Trek 3 puts the film in direct conflict with Prometheus 2- the rumor that Idris Elba may be cast as the film's villain. While it hasn't been revealed just who Elba will be playing, already people have begun to speculate, and the most likely option right now seems like a Klingon villain, as the film is already rumored to have a major Klingon storyline. Elba, being a fairly tall and muscular guy, would certainly strike an imposing physical presence in a hand-to-hand fight with either Kirk (Chris Pine) or Spock (Zachary Quinto).
However, according to Blastr, Simon Pegg (who's co-writing the screenplay for Star Trek 3) has already commented on the status of Elba as the film's villain, and he's still playing it vague for now.
"That's not true. No, no, no. I heard there's a rumor he's been spoken to about stuff, so he may be in the film but he won't be a Klingon (laughs). Or maybe he will!"
Really not that helpful.
What might be tricky for both films, however, is Elba's role in the original Prometheus film. Now, those who've seen it will know that (SPOILER ALERT), Elba's character is killed in a spaceship crash at the end of the film. But if somehow he ends up in Prometheus 2 as well- stranger things have happened, especially in a film with androids and bizarre genetic experiments- it could create a series sense of competition between both films. Which one do you think will come out on top?
Star Trek 3 will premiere on July 8, 2016.
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