'Carlos' star Edgar Ramirez is front-runner for 'Star Trek' villain
Now that negotiations with Benicio del Toro have fallen through, J.J. Abrams is moving fast to find a replacement for the villain in Paramount’s STAR TREK sequel. While no offer has been made, sources tell Variety that is CARLOS star Edgar Ramirez is the front-runner, with COLOMBIANA thesp Jordi Molla also in the mix. Ramirez is expected to test for the role via Skype either later today or early tomorrow, as Abrams hopes to make a decision before the weekend, since production starts next month. Discussions with del Toro broke down last week, prompting Abrams and Paramount to rush their search for a replacement who could commit to a six-month shoot from January until June. The next question: What character Ramirez will play if he gets the part? It was reported last week — before it was known del Toro was out — that the villain may be Khan, but Abrams and Paramount denied it. Whether that denial was over the role (or just del Toro’s involvement, a convenient feint) still isn’t quite clear.
