Paramount has finally settled on a release date for the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek, opting to release the film next summer instead of previously planned late 2012.
The May 17, 2013 release date assures Star Trek 2 (working title) a big tentpole spot in the summer lineup. Also releasing that month are Marvel and Disney’s Iron Man 3 and the Guillermo del Toro mega monster movie Pacific Rim.
Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof (Lost) have been working on the Trek sequel script for many months. It wasn’t until Abrams’ officially came on board to direct that the project has picked up steam. The film is expected to begin shooting, in 3D, this upcoming January.
The Enterprise cast lead by Chris Pine as Captain Kirk are all expected to return. Benicio Del Toro has been confirmed by Abrams to be in discussions to play the film’s primary villain, though no deal has been made public as of yet. Rumors on who the villain could be range from Khan to a Klingon to an all-new character.
