The cast for J. J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Trek movie is shaping up nicely, with actor Eric Bana reportedly preparing to play a villain named Nero.

Variety reports that Australian actor Eric Bana has signed on to play “Star Trek” villain Nero in Paramount Pictures' upcoming big-screen adaptation of the sci-fi series. Directed by J. J. Abrams, the film is slated for a Christmas Day 2008 release.

In mid-September, Variety announced that actress Zoe Saldana had been signed to play Uhura, the Enterprise's chief communications officer, a role famously originated by Nichelle Nichols.

Nichelle Nichols portrayed Uhura both on the big screen and on the small screen and was one the first black women to have a prominent role in a major television series.

Zoe Saldana, 29, has played in “Drumline” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” She is currently filming James Cameron’s first non-documentary directorial effort since 1997’s “Titanic,” the blockbuster 3-D fantasy “Avatar.”

Star Trek’s lineup already includes Anton Yelchin (“Huff,” “Alpha Dog”) as a younger version of Russian navigator Pavel Chekov, played by Walter Koenig in the original TV series and seven feature films, and Zachary Quinto (“24,” “Heroes”) as young Mr. Spock.

The original Mr. Spock, Leonard Nimoy, will reportedly have a cameo as well. According to Variety, casting is under way in New York and London. Abrams had been expected to pursue more famous actors for the roles of the villain and the Federation captain, the latter of which remains unfilled.

Bana, 39, found fame with his roles in movies such as “Hulk,” “Troy” and “Munich.”

He is currently filming “The Time Traveler's Wife” for New Line, in which he stars alongside Rachel McAdams. He next appears in “The Other Boleyn Girl” alongside Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.

J. J. Abrams debuted as a movie director in 2006, with “Mission: Impossible 3,” starring Tom Cruise. He is also producing Star Trek, through his Paramount-based Bad Robot production company alongside Stratton Leopold, says Variety.

Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci wrote the screenplay and will exec produce along with Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof.

While Abrams has kept details of the film’s storyline under wraps, it has been speculated that the story will show the Enterprise crew in earlier days than ever shown before.