Idris Elba is said to be in early talks to play the main villain in Star Trek 3 – thought to be the leader of the Klingons.

Justin Lin is directing the sequel, with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana and Anton Yelchin all set to reprise their roles.

Variety has reported that Luther star Idris is in talks to play the lead villain, with rumours suggesting the Klingons are set to cause trouble for the Starship Enterprise in the latest movie.

The Klingons are tipped to be the main villains in Star Trek 3 (Todd Bennett/AP)
The Klingons are tipped to be the main villains in Star Trek 3 (Todd Bennett/AP)

Sources refused to confirm if the role would be that of a Klingon and studio Paramount refused to comment.

JJ Abrams, who directed the first two instalments in the franchise, will produce the project, with filming set to start in June.

Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty, is writing the script with Doug Jung.