After weeks of speculation, it’s now been confirmed that Benicio Del Toro will NOT be appearing in J.J. Abrams’ STAR TREK sequel.

Previously thought to be playing the role of seminal Trek villain Khan Noonien Singh, talks with the actor have now fallen through, with ‘monetary negotiations’ failing to be reached. At least that’s what internet scuttlebug would have us believe. It’s hard to imagine that Del Tora would play fast and loose with an opportunity as huge as this, and to think it all simply came down to his pay cheque not having the desired amount of zeros on it is tough to swallow. When was the last time it looked like Del Toro’s career was motivated by money? CHE? THE WAY OF THE GUN? 21 GRAMS? THE WOLFM– ok, but look how that worked out for him. Could it be that the actor just decided that the character wasn’t right for him?

As for the inclusion of Khan himself, while Abrams continues to categorically deny that he will appear, entertainment site Vulture claim sources close to the production are of the opinion that the notoriously secretive director is telling porkies (in the same way Snyder claimed Zod would not be featured in MAN OF STEEL!).

Looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer for any official word, but this Tweet from the film’s writer and long time Abrams collaborator Damon Lindelof hints that the aforementioned news site might be on to something:

@DamonLindelof: “VULTUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURE!!!!!”

Yeah, our money’s on Khan returning too. So the question is, who would you guys like to see in the role now?

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