New Image from STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, and Zachary Quinto; Villain’s Name Revealed

In anticipation of the 9-minute IMAX-exclusive preview of director J.J. Abrams’ sequel Star Trek Into Darkness that will be attached to showings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey this weekend, a new image from the film has been released.  We recently caught our first glimpse of footage by way of an online-only teaser trailer, but this image gives us a great look at Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and the film’s still-unspecified baddie played by Benedict Cumberbatch.  It appears that, just as with The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and Skyfall, the Into Darkness villain will find himself momentarily captured by the film’s heroes.  Could the imprisonment yet again be “all part of the plan?”  Paramount’s official caption on the image notes that Cumberbatch’s character is named “John Harrison.”  I’m no Trek expert, but I don’t think that’s a canon name.  Then again, this is a J.J. Abrams movie we’re talking about, so the character’s “official” name is likely a red herring.

Hit the jump to see the new image and speculate away. Steve got a chance to see the Into Darkness IMAX preview last night and you can check out his recap and video blog right here.  Star Trek Into Darkness opens in 2D, 3D, and IMAX on May 17, 2013.

Via our partners at Omelete. Click to enlarge.

Here’s the official synopsis for Star Trek Into Darkness:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.