Star Trek Sequel: Pike In, Khan Out, Orginial Cast Not Invited, and Post Converstion 3D

The last several months (really years) has been one long dry spell of useful news on the Star Trek sequel front. Suddenly today multiple pieces of information has come out that might be of interest to fans such as a new cast member, no TOS cast invited, Khan reportedly out (again), and Trek will not film in real 3D.

To start, it looks like Captain Pike will return. Sequel writer Bob Orci posted on TrekMovie.com "Spoiler alert! We wrote a part for Greenwood. Let us hope he says "Yes!". No additional details but Bruce Greenwood has indicated he is up for doing the sequel but would prefer not to be stuck in the wheelchair.

Peter Weller Joins Cast of Star Trek Sequel

Deadline is reporting that Peter Weller (Robocop, 24) has joined the cast of the Star Trek sequel in "a principal role but one they would not specify." The news was confirmed by Weller's PR reps making him the first official new cast member for the sequel. Alice Eve and Benicio Del Toro are likely to join the cast but both are considered to be in the negotiating phase.

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.

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.