Is Benedict Cumberbatch Our First 'Star Wars: Episode Seven' Star?

Benedict Cumberbatch won lavish amounts of praise for his portrayal as (spoiler) main antagonist John Harrison/Khan Noonien Singh in Star Wars Into Darkness, and his first proper steps into big screen sci-fi may have earned him a call up to one of the biggest sci-fi jobs in Hollywood. This Brit actor is reportedly in discussions to star in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode Seven, working alongside his Star Trek director JJ Abbrams again, various reports suggest (Film Chronicles were first to reports).

Cumberbatch could be returning to a villainous role in the Star Wars reboot

The star of BBC series Sherlock, which returns to our screens soon, is rumoured to be in advanced talks with Disney and those working closely with the Star Wars project to feature in an unspecified role in the upcoming picture. It is unknown what role Cumberbatch might be playing as the storyline is being heavily guarded by the select few that have been given any insight into the project. Chances are, we won't find out whether Cumberbatch, or anyone else for that matter, have even been approached to star in the film for a good few months, as Disney continue to keeps their clandestine operation running in the upmost secrecy.

The actor will return to out screens as Sherlock Holmes in the coming weeks

Last month it was revealed by the Hollywood Reporter that Cumberbatch had dropped out of the Guillermo del Toro's upcoming horror Crimson Peak, the first indication that the British actor may be in contention to star in the Star Wars reboot. The article did claim that the decision to leave the film wasn't because of another project, however it should be noted that both Crimson Peak and SW:Ep7 are scheduled to begin filming at around the same time in 2014.

Cumberbatch is the latest big name Hollywood star to have his name thrown into the mix for the reboot, with Ryan Gosling, Zac Efron and Leonardo Dicaprio all said to have held talks with Disney over potential roles. Star Wars: Episode 7 is due out in 2015.

Would Benedict be a good addition to the Star Wars universe?