San Diego, CA--When word got out that Paramount Pictures would be working on a new Star Trek movie detailing how James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock met at the Starfleet Academy, questions began pouring in at warp speed.
Who would be directing the film? (Answer: J.J. Abrams (Lost, Mission Impossible III)). Which characters will be featured in the movie? (Answer: At least Kirk and Spock, more to be determined later.)
But one of the biggest questions that has remained unanswered--as details of the film are under lock and key--is, "Who will play Kirk and that pointy-eared fellow?"
Today, that question was partially answered at Comic-Con in San Diego. As the final portion of the Paramount Pictures presentation, J.J. Abrams held court with details about the upcoming film, and introduced the actor who will be playing the young Vulcan--Zachary Quinto.
Quinto is best known as Sylar, the brain-sucking, clock-fixing villain from NBC's sci-fi show Heroes. The actor had long been rumored to be interested in the role, telling various Internet outlets that he would jump at the chance to play Spock.
Abrams also revealed another interesting revelation. Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock on the original television series and several Star Trek movies, will once again don the Vulcan ears in the upcoming movie. Abrams did not say how an older Spock would figure into the storyline.
Seeing Nimoy and Quinto sitting side by side (the resemblance was eerie, said Nimoy's wife) was enough to convince many fans in attendance that Abrams made the right call. Nimoy even agreed, saying the casting decision was "logical"--a classic Spock quip.
Abrams did not make any mention of who would be on board to play Kirk, as the search is apparently still on. However, he did admit that he was looking for a way to fit William Shatner, who played Kirk in the original series, into the film--but he said that he would only cast him if the film was worthy of the legendary television actor.
"While I was always more of a Star Wars kid than a Star Trek kid growing up, I always loved Trek," said Abrams during the presentation. He also noted that because the property is so enormous, "you can't [afford to] screw it up."
Star Trek (working title) is slated for release in 2008. Production is scheduled to begin in November, according to Abrams.
Comments (28)
He is great at the character. I saw both Spock's standing next to each other and it was amazing how similar they were.
Hmmm.....A Deep Sleep Nine Movie? P-urrr-leezzee. Only thing less worthy and out of Trek would be a Yawnager movie...However, while the casting here looks good - the idea of Spock and Kirk meeting prior to Kirk getting the Enterprise is non-canon, and also the idea as a who sounds "Star Trek Academy"-ish...Does JJ Abrams know Harve Bennett perchance?A better story, surely, would be the newly-promoted Kirk coming aboard NCC-1701 for the first time...
imiss, the series, when will it start back up, again .or will it?
Great choice. He'll be great as this character!
Mad, my two favourite shows come together in a way
O rly?
Personally, I don't see the Spock resemblance at all, but, then, that has nothing to do with telling a good story. The problem is that Abrams has directed virtually nothing but bombs (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009190), and, if the title is any indication, we can expect a total lack of imagination throughout. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
I'm about to faint!
I can't wait!
This is very exciting!
They really did a good job casting Quinto as a young Spock. He does resemble Nimoy in a way. Superb news. Good to see his career is beginning to shine.
Oo sounds interesting, wanna here more about this
Maybe a Trek movie will get a new series for TV going
Good casting.
Sweet!
awesome
Agree with those that want a DS9 movie.
I couldn't think of a more perfect choice! Zachary is a good actor and will do Nimoy proud. Hurrah!
I think that its starting to sound better (Its not all gonna be a prequel if Nimoy is in) But i'd much rather we get to see Sisko coming back to our realm...
Perfect casting! He even looks like he could be Leonard Nimoy's son. I think Quinto will do an awesome job. Spock with an edge, oh yeah!
a very good choice, my hopes are slightly up for this film
Still a bad idea for a movie whoever gets cast...
seems a good actor choice to me, let's hope he'll do a decent job
YAY! I love Zachary Quinto! I'm so glad we'll see him in something more thant Heroes!
Quinto seems a good young Spock look alike, Abrams displays yet again common sense in his picks
I hate Sylar but have always loved watching Spock. I guess I will have to just get over the initial fact that I am looking at Sylar's face and am now looking at Spock's younger face. Could be difficult.
I want a DS9 movie where we get to see what happened to Sisko after his time in the wormhole....
I'll phone and book a ticket now.. can not wait!
so far so good