Well, maybe it won't be Khan after all (if so, we still insist J.J. Abrams consider an Indian actor). But it appears that Abrams has set his sights on another Latino actor to take on the Big Bad role in "Star Trek 2."

Trade publication Variety is reporting that Paramount Pictures is now trying to cast Venezuelan-born actor Edgar Ramirez to the film. Although the idea that the villain would be Khan is just a rumor, that has been the primary report coming from "Star Trek 2," whose pre-production still remains quite hushed.

Ramirez would replace Benicio del Toro in the role after contract talks broke down earlier this month. Ramirez actually recently appeared in the film "Che" with del Toro as Ciro Redondo Garcia.

Ramirez doesn't have the widespread recognition that del Toro has, and in fact is probably best known not for his work in "Che," but in 2007's "Bourne Ultimatum" as Paz. He just finished filming "Wrath of the Titans," which is expected to be released next year from director Jonathan Liebesman.

Because filming for "Star Trek 2" is just a month away, Paramount also is taking a look at Jordi Molla, a Spanish actor who most recently appeared in "Columbiana." His American resume also is limited, appearing in "Knight and Day" in 2010 and "There Be Dragons" in 2011. He also is providing the voice of Don Vincenzo in the Vlad Barbe animated feature "The Last Man From Atlantis."

Whoever signs on will have some grueling work ahead. Variety is reporting that the shoot is scheduled for six months through June, and then post-production teams will have 11 months to finish before the film is released in May 2013.

Both Paramount and Abrams continue to deny that Khan is the villain in the film, and even if an actor to play the Big Bad is announced in the next week or so, it's unclear if his actual role will be revealed.

"Star Trek 2" also stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban and Simon Pegg. It will include guest appearances by Alice Eve and Peter Weller, and will be directed by Abrams.