After much speculation, Paramount has made it official:
Trekkers can look forward to a very merry Christmas in 2008.
Paramount announced Tuesday it will release J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek XI” on Christmas Day next year, resurrecting the cult franchise after a six-year hiatus.
Newest installment, a prequel focusing on a young Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, is the first to be slotted for release on the holiday.
Abrams, who has been developing the project, is set to begin lensing in the fall. He is producing with his “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof.
And then there are those interesting casting rumors:
First came the rumours that J.J. Abrams would direct Star Trek XI, then the rumours that he would not, and finally the confirmation that he will. Now the rumour that Matt Damon will play Captain Kirk - debunked by both Star Trek insiders and Damon’s reps - has returned with a vengeance.
IGN Movies cites studio sources who have told the web site that the roles of James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy may go to three very big name stars: Damon, Adrien Brody and Gary Sinise.
Damon is said to be in talks with Paramount to take over the role originated by William Shatner, who has won two Emmy Awards for his more recent role as Denny Crane on Boston Legal. Brody, an Academy Award-winning actor for The Pianist, is reportedly negotiating to play Leonard Nimoy’s iconic role of Spock.
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Sinise is the current star of CSI: NY and is said to be in discussions to play physician Leonard “Bones” McCoy, a role originated by the late DeForrest Kelley. A Golden Globe winner, Sinise previously appeared in the space epics Apollo 13 and Mission to Mars.
This could actually turn out to be a good movie.
