The possibility that Russell Crowe will play a villain in the upcoming Star Trek prequel is the most interesting bit of casting news I've heard all year. With Russell riding high on the commercial and critical success of the recently released western 3.10 to Yuma, perhaps this is just what the ailing Star Trek franchise needs to increase its box office appeal.

In 3.10 to Yuma Russell also plays a villain: in this case the legendary outlaw Ben Wade, alongside Christian Bale.

I'm finding it hard to picture Russell in a Star Trek film though. It's not that I don't think he has the acting talent to pull it off. On the contrary, he could easily do a much better job than hundreds of other actors who have already turned up in the ten previous Star Trek films and numerous television shows. Perhaps it's just that he has acted in so few science fiction and fantasy films in his career? I can only remember Virtuosity with Denzel Washington in 1995, and it's not a particularly fond memory either...

According to reports Russell is definitely considering the offer, but Paramount and Director J. J. Abrams would have to convince him to fit the role into his busy schedule.

In other casting news regarding the Star Trek prequel , Zachary Quinto, best know as the villain in Heroes with the ability to absorb other people's psychic talents, has been confirmed as the young version of Spock. If you've watched Heroes you'll immediately recognise why Abrams chose him: he definitely has the Vulcan look. Add a pair of pointy ears and he'll be performing mind melds and nerve pinches in no time.

Even more interesting is the fact that the original actor, Leonard Nimoy, will make a brief appearance in the opening sequence as an aging Spock.

"People have been asking me why I'm doing this movie," Nimoy has been quoted as saying. "We have a great director, and a wonderful actor playing the young Spock and the answer is: it was logical!"

Abrams too is enthusiastic about the film, but is reportedly having trouble finding one of the main pieces in the casting puzzle: an actor to play the young version of Captain Kirk. There was a rumour last year that Matt Damon was possibility, but I've heard nothing since.

With or without Russell Crowe, the Star Trek prequel will be released on December 26, 2008.

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