American actor Chris Pine has been gushing about his new English co-star Benedict Cumberbatch.

Pine is set to reprise his role of James T Kirk in Star Trek 2 and will star alongside Cumberbatch, who is set to play a villian in the movie, although his exact role is yet to be revealed.

Speaking about the Sherlock Holmes star Pine said: "As you know from Benedict, just watching him, vocally, he's fascinating.

"He's got this deep resonant voice. He has a fascinating face. He's a lovely guy and just super smart.

"You want to see something firing in his brain, so he's not just a blood-dripping-from-the-fangs bad guy. Benedict brings those kinds of smarts."

Star Trek 2 is released 17th May 2013.