With Simon Pegg co-writing the script for Star Trek 3, the studio is looking to shake things up by reportedly bringing in Bryan Cranston for the film’s epic new villain.

How do you one-up Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness? You hire Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston as the villain for Star Trek 3. A new report suggests that Paramount have already had talks with Cranston about playing the film’s main villain, along with multiple new female characters joining the cast.

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Despite changing directors, and writers, Paramount has given Star Trek 3 a July 8, 2016 release date. This is reportedly an attempt to link the film with the franchise’s 50th anniversary. We haven’t heard much about the film’s new cast members, but the guys over at FilmDivider report that the studio is looking to use a “Bryan Cranston-like” villain in Star Trek 3.

Cranston has reportedly “had words” with the studio about joining the cast, but there are no official talks as of yet. Although, with J.J. Abrams producing the film, they may still continue keeping things quiet as long as possible — as they did with Benedict Cumberbatch and his role as Khan in the second film.

In related news, Bryan Cranston’s Breaking Bad co-star, Aaron Paul, is reportedly set to star in one of Star Wars’ standalone films with actress Felicity Jones. Previous Star Trek director, J.J. Abrams, won’t be directing, but it’s great to see Breaking Bad’s cast getting roles in some massive films.

The report also says that Star Trek 3 will include three new female characters, including Bones’ ex-wife, a female captain that will butt heads with Kirk, and the third will be President of the United Federation of Planets. This leaves many great roles to be cast, and while there aren’t any rumors as to who will be joining, we’re glad to see plans to add solid female characters to the trilogy.

We look forward to finding out if Bryan Cranston will be involved with Star Trek 3, and who will be cast in the three new female roles. Star Trek 3, currently untitled, will be released on July 8, 2016.