Both J.J. Abrams and Benedict Cumberbatch have come out in full force to discuss Cumberbatch’s baddie role in Star Trek Into Darkness, John Harrison.
Says Cumberbatch:
“He’s a terrorist; he operates as a terrorist. He has extraordinary physical powers, but also mental powers. He can sow an idea, which is as powerful as gunshots or close-hand combat, which he’s masterful in. He tears into the fabric of both the world and the Enterprise family, and he leaves behind him a trail of devastation. It’s quite exciting to watch.”
Abrams was not totally forthcoming with details, but had this to say about the character:
“The whole thing, not just his backstory, but his agenda, his plan, his secret, all that is what, for me at least, makes him such a frightening and cool villain … Also, the real villains – when they’re not just two-dimensional, angry vengeful types – don’t see themselves as the bad guy,” he went on. “They are the good guy and have complete rationale and motivation. So true to form, the character that Benedict plays has an absolute sense of right and wrong, and he’s on the right side.”
