‘Heroes’ villain to play Spock in ‘Star Trek’ film

Zachary Quinto, best known for playing the villainous Sylar in “Heroes,” will don a pair of pointy ears to play Mr. Spock in the newest installment of the Star Trek feature franchise.

The Spock character is synonymous with Leonard Nimoy. The 76-year-old actor also will appear in the film, it was revealed at the annual Comic-Con International convention in San Diego on Thursday. But it was not clear if he would appear as Spock as well.

The Paramount Pictures film, currently dubbed “Star Trek XI,” revolves around the first encounters between a young Spock and James T. Kirk at Starfleet Academy.

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J.J. Abrams is directing. The prolific co-creator/executive producer of “Lost” and director of the studio’s “Mission: Impossible III” also will serve as a producer and co-writer on the film, which is scheduled for a December 2008 release.

Quinto’s credits also include the TV series “So Notorious” and “24.”