Alice Eve Up for Star Trek Role

The Hollywood Reporter posts that Alice Eve (Entourage, Sex and the City 2) is up for a "big role" in Star Trek 2 that is currently in pre-production for a rumored January start date. There is no information on what the role is but for someone reason as soon as I saw a picture of her, "Yeoman Janice Rand" popped into my head.

Trek Nation Premieres Today

Just a quick reminder that Trek Nation will premiere tonight at 8PM on the Science Channel. The two hour program is from Eugene Roddenberry Jr., son of Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as he explores the impact that Star Trek has on our culture through interviews and his own experience growing up. Below is the full press release.

Del Toro Discussions Confirmed, Giacchino Returns

Star Trek 12 (or 2) now has an official release date of May 17th, 2013 so now things can turn to other details like who is being cast and who else might be returning. A recent rumor on that front was that Benicio Del Toro was picked by director JJ Abrams to play the main villain of the film. That has not been confirmed by the man himself in a quick interview with MTV while promoting the home release of Super 8. Abrams is made sure to point out (video below) that the casting of Del Toro is not a done deal, just that they are "in discussions" with the actor. While at the same event he also told NY Magazine, "...we cannot in any way rely on the first Star Trek. We can't think, Okay, we've got it in the bag, everyone loves these characters. We have to start over in a way."

On a related note, the composer of the score for the first Star Trek film (main themes above), Michael Giacchino has told Coming Soon that, "Yes, I'll be back [to score Star Trek 2]. I'll be there just as soon as they finish it." This isn't really a surprise as Giacchino has long been Abrams go to composer for films he is either directing or producing including Mission: Impossible films, Super 8 and more.

Star Trek 2.0 Sequel New Release Date: 5/17/2013

Paramount has finally decided when the long awaited sequel to the relaunch of Star Trek will hit theatres. To no surprise, they have to decided to go for a repeat performance of their May 2009 launch by releasing the movie on May 17th, 2013. (technically) Star Trek 12 will come out in 3D but no details on if it will be shot in 3D or post-converted. No official title yet but principle photography is rumored to start in January. The script is being written by Damon Lindelhof (Lost), Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci (Star Trek, Transformers), and directed by JJ Abrams.

Star Trek 2: Walk-On Role Contest, Hawaii, and Yelchin

There are three new updates on the Star Trek sequel front with a new contest, update on possible Hawaii filming and Chekov comments on what he (doesn't) know about the sequel. Up first is a new contest to promote the release of JJ Abrams' Super 8 on Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow called "Super 8: Watch It & Walk-On" sweepstakes. Two lucky winners will get walk-on roles in Star Trek 2 that JJ Abrams is directing and begins principle photography in January. Usually "walk-on" tends to be literal as essentially an extra what will "walk" in the background of whatever scene be it a street or the bridge of the Enterprise to help sell the scene. To win, go to www.Super8Sweeps.com and answer the Super 8 trivia test. The contest runs from November 20th to December 4th and open only to US residents that are 18 and up in age.

IDW February Star Trek Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for February that continues the adventures of the Enterprise 2.0 crew while the Prime crew and DC's Legion of Super-heroes have their own problems. Two comics and one TNG trade are being released that month. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Transformers, Locke& Key and more click here.

Trek Nation Special Coming November 30th

The Science Channel has announced the air date for Trek Nation, a two hour special that explores the impact that Star Trek has had on technology, culture and more. The special follow Rod Roddenberry, sone of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, has he explores his family's history and interviews celebrities. Below is the commercial and press release for special which will air on November 30th at 8PM EST.

Star Trek 2 Production Starts January 15th

TrekMovie.com has learned through sources that the Star Trek sequel is near the end of pre-production and ready to start principle photography on January 15th. The information isn't officially confirmed but the start date fits various rumors and accounts of the actors who indicated a 2012 start date. It is also early enough so Paramount still has the option of a Christmas 2012 release date (but Summer 2013 more likely). In addition, the site learned a few details on a possible shooting location, script prep, and other pre-production notes. Below is the summary.

- Production starts January 15th, 2012
- Pre-production has been going on for months using the reported 80 or so page outline from this summer
- The writers are currently working on a third draft of the script with goal of fitting it to Paramount's budget.
- Design team, headed by Star Trek (2009)'s production designer Scott Chambliss, has completed their design work.
- Construction of sets, props, etc. has begun and ILM is working on visual effects shots.
- Location scouting has begun. Possible choices include somewhere in Hawaii as a "jungle planet" and a Los Angeles museum as "famous Star Trek location." Paramount lot will likely also have plenty of built sets such as the Enterprise bridge and hallways.
- Casting discussions have begun but no roles have been cast.
- Scale of film described as "bigger" in scope as the first.

Star Trek Online Set for Free To Play

Starting January 17, 2012, Star Trek Online will official become a free-to-play title. The shift is likely a move to a micro transaction model has allowed some MMORPG games to thrive while others have died (see Lego Universe). Having said that, mark the date in the calendar as you can't beat free and the free 2 play games are designed so that you can still enjoy most of the game without having to buy anything if you choose not too. Click here to learn all the details.

Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes #2 Preview

This Wednesday brings the Star Trek crossover with the DC Universe. Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes #2 continues the story of The Originial Series crew as they and DC's Legion find themselves stuck in a "mirror universe" that is a merge of the 23rd century Star Trek and Legion universe but instead of goals of peach and exploration, this universe is bent on war by the Imperial Planets. The covers and first eight pages can be found here.

Chris Roberson (w) • Jeffrey Moy & Philip Moy (a) • Phil Jimenez, Steve Lightle (c)
The epic IDW/DC Comics crossover continues Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise have returned to Earth, but discover that it isn't the Earth they remember. And a group of Legionnaires stranded in the 23rd century find that history has changed around them. But can either team uncover what's gone wrong in time? And what will happen when they encounter each other?
• 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 4-to-1 ratio (4 Phil Jimenez, 1 Steve Lightle) • FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Benicio Del Toro for Star Trek 2 Villain

Its seems that JJ Abrams love of secrets is already in full bloom when it comes to Star Trek 2. No news on a finished script, when principle photography begin, or even when the film will be released. Yet it seems casting is in full swing as Variety reports that Abrams has found his "big bad" for the film.

Sources close to the project tell Variety that Benicio Del Toro is expected to be offered the part, possibly before the weekend is out. Insiders say Del Toro has met with Abrams but, in an effort to keep the role a secret, still doesn't know exactly what it is. Par and Skydance had no comment on the casting process.

Variety tends to not publish unless the news is all but confirmed so have to take this news seriously. This will be an unusual choice for Del Toro who is more known for very serious, Oscar bait type films like The Usual Suspects and Traffic. Choosing to do what will likely a 2013 Summer tent pole movie is not the norm for this actor. Actually looking at his IMDB profile, he has never done such a thing. The closest he has even got to sci-fi is "The Wolfman". Personally I have never been much of a fan of the actor so hoping he decides to pass.