Eric Bana better start taking fiddle lessons.  According to the Hollywood trades he has signed on to portray 'Nero,' the villain in the new Star Trek film that J.J. Abrams is directing for Paramount.  No word has yet leaked out as to what sort of humanoid Bana will play (according to The Hollywood Reporter actors were offered roles on a take-it-or-leave-it basis without being able to see the script). 

Bana will join Leonard Nimoy (elder Spock), Zachary Quinto (younger Spock, see 'Spock Returns'), Anton Yelchin (Chekov, see 'More Casting News for Trek Film'), and Zoe Saldana (Uhuru, see 'Uhuru Cast') in the new Star Trek film, which is slated to shoot from November through March, and which is currently set for a Christmas 2008 debut.

According to The Hollywood Reporter newcomer Chris Pine, who played the neo-Nazi assassin in Smokin' Aces, is in talks to play the young Captain Kirk.  Pine is also rumored to be in line for the role of George Clooney's younger partner in the film adaptation of James Ellroy's White Jazz, which could create a conflict in shooting schedules.