J.J. Abrams Talks Casting Incredible Benedict Cumberbatch In Star Trek Sequel

First Published: January 8, 2012 3:29 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption J.J. Abrams, Benedict CumberbatchLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Despite the reports, J.J. Abrams wont confirm that Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch is specifically set to play Star Treks villain in the second film in the intergalactic series, which begins shooting next week, but he was willing to talk about what brought the British actor to the fold. Hes a genius, J.J. told AccessHollywood.com on Sunday, following the panel at the Television Critics Association Winter Session in Pasadena, for his new show on FOX, Alcatraz. Hes just an incredible actor, J.J. continued of Benedict. Honestly, if youve seen the work in Sherlock, hes just got incredible skills. He did amazing work in Frankenstein [on the London stage]. Hes brilliant. I mean, you try to cast people who are great. We got lucky. J.J. confirmed they met with a number of actors for the Star Trek sequel, but Benedict was the right fit. I just loved his work and thought that he was perfect for what we needed, so we were very lucky, J.J. told Access. The second Star Trek under J.J. begins shooting next week, but J.J. said hell still have time to fulfill his Executive Producer duties in Alcatraz, which reunites him with Lost actor Jorge Garcia. We start shooting Star Trek on Thursday, so I gotta go, he laughed. What Ive been trying to do is help, whether its read the scripts, giving notes, giving suggestions on cuts, overseeing doing the theme music, that kind of stuff, playing with the show and kind of help get it up running. Alcatraz follows a trio investigating the reappearance of Alcatrazs most notorious prisoners and guards, 50 years after they vanished. The show will have some resolution in each episode, but also overriding questions. I cant help but liking shows that have an ongoing mythology, J.J. told reporters after the panel. Its a weird thing to me to feel like things are wrapped up completely, so hopefully, Alcatraz will allow things to exist over [the] long term and also have a week to week specific puzzle that needs to be solved. Alcatrazs two-hour premiere kicks off at 8/7c on January 16 on FOX. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.