Star Trek (film)

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US Release:	8 May 2009
Prod. #:	011
Director:	J.J. Abrams
Written by:	Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
Producers:	J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof

The Future Begins

Star Trek is the eleventh feature film based on Star Trek. It is slated for release on 8 May 2009 in both conventional and IMAX theaters.

The film is being produced by J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof, two of the creators of the ABC series Lost, and will be directed by Abrams. The film was written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who will also serve as executive producers, along with Bryan Burk and Jeffrey Chernov.

Abrams' production company, Bad Robot, is co-producing the film with Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment. It is the first film in the Star Trek franchise to have a production partner, let alone two.

Contents 1 Beginnings 2 Early discussion and speculation 3 Development 3.1 Production 3.2 Story and script 3.3 Casting 3.3.1 Rumors and gossip 3.3.2 Shatner controversy 3.4 Crew 4 Advertising and marketing 4.1 Posters 4.2 Web sites 4.3 Promotional images 4.4 Teaser trailer 4.5 Theatrical trailers 4.6 Merchandising 5 Release delay 6 IMAX release 7 Sequel 8 Links and references 8.1 Cast and crew 8.2 Companies 8.3 Unconfirmed companies 8.4 See also 8.5 External links

[edit] Beginnings

On 20 April 2006, the Daily Variety, citing sources at Paramount Pictures, reported that production on an eleventh Star Trek feature film was officially underway. This initial report stated that not only was J.J. Abrams set to produce, co-write, and direct the next Trek film, but the story would involve the iconic characters of James T. Kirk and Spock during their days at Starfleet Academy. [1] This was not the first time this type of story would be suggested, as such a premise had been previously explored for the proposed sixth Star Trek film, Star Trek: The First Adventure.

Several days later, Abrams confirmed some parts of the report while denying others, stating that the announcement was an unofficial leak and was "not entirely accurate." He also stated that, while he was given the option to direct the film, he had not decided to do so at that time. [2] [3]

One day after the original announcement, StarTrek.com reported that Rick Berman, who had overseen the Trek franchise since Gene Roddenberry's death in 1991, would not be involved in the eleventh Trek film as developed by J.J. Abrams. [4]

[edit] Early discussion and speculation

Actor Greg Grunberg, best friend and longtime associate of J.J. Abrams, suggested the film would involve a younger Kirk and Spock, if not necessarily at the Academy – so the roles would need to be recast. [5] [6] He later said he'd like to play a young Scotty, suggesting the film may take place during Kirk's first historic five-year mission commanding USS Enterprise. [7] Later, producer Bryan Burk intimated that Grunberg's comments were based on false pretenses. [8]

In June, writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci eased fan concerns by stressing their wish to honor what has occurred on other Trek shows and films, and not rebooting the franchise "in the way that [Ronald D. Moore's] Battlestar Galactica has been reimagined," adding that the film would feature familiar characters and others who precede them. [9]

Fans got an official look at the movie's direction when Paramount released a poster for the new film on 22 July 2006: the teaser bore the Enterprise crew command division uniform insignia from the original series, against a background half command gold and half science blue. It hinted at a film to be set in the 23rd century which might feature the legendary Enterprise herself. The poster was designed by the film's director/producer J.J. Abrams. [10]

[edit] Development

[edit] Production

Pre-production officially began when the film, still called Star Trek XI, was greenlit in late February. [11] Paramount's press release on 27 February 2007 confirmed that production was under way with Abrams directing for a target premiere date of Christmas Day 2008. [12]

Principal photography began 7 November 2007 [13] and wrapped 141 shoot days later on 27 March 2008. Second unit and VFX plate shots continued until 17 April 2008. Since it was the principal photography that had been reportedly scheduled to wrap in April, writer and executive producer Roberto Orci stated:

"Well, we always add a few weeks for the studio, just in case. This is a lesson we learned from Scotty... this way we can appear like miracle workers." [14]

Rehearsals began the week of 19 Oct 2007. [15] [16] The film was codenamed "Corporate Headquarters", [17] although various other fake titles were also used throughout the production.

Shooting had been set to start summer 2007 [18] before the filmmakers made clear it could actually begin in April. [19] Shooting would have started on 5 November but was postponed two days. [20]

The production used a total of eleven sound stages, [21] specifically on stages 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, and 18. These are stages where Star Trek has filmed in the past. Plans also reportedly included use of a Universal Studios stage for "planetary" shots needing more room, [22] but that location was never used.

Four of the filmmakers, including production designer Scott Chambliss, first assistant director Tommy Gormley, then executive producer Stratton Leopold, and eventual second unit director Roger Guyett, scouted locations in Iceland during early Summer 2007. Despite some reports, J.J. Abrams never actually visited Iceland himself. Companies such as Pegasus-Panarctica Pictures (run by Snorri Þórisson), Sagafilm (Kjartan Thor Thordarson), Labrador (Pétur Hafsteinn Bjarnason), and Truenorth Productions (Leifur B. Dagfinnsson) vied for the opportunity to provide local production services.

This would have been the first time a Star Trek movie was filmed outside of the United States. The plan was that two weeks of filming would take place there during Spring 2008, but, as it turned out, no filming whatsoever was ever done in Iceland. A location scout was also sent to British Columbia, Canada, but, in the end, the movie was filmed entirely in the United States. [23] [24] [25]

The film's budget was not yet complete as of 3 May 2007. By then, some of the art department – still being filled by production designer Scott Chambliss – were already working, mostly from home; offices on the Paramount lot weren't finished before mid-May. [26] [27]

Soundstage set construction began in September. Most design work was complete by 12 October 2007. The budget is estimated at from $120 to $150m, higher than any prior Trek film. [28]

The first three months of shooting on Star Trek took place during the 2007 writers' strike. None of the filmmakers could make any changes to the film's script during the strike period, meaning the common practice of revising the script during production was not possible. Although Abrams complained about not being able to add new dialog, the strike for the most part did not affect the film's production. Since it was one of the studio's "high priority" films, Paramount strove to help it despite the writing stoppage. [29] [30]

The first days of shooting occurred on location in a Long Beach building. [31] Another reported locale, California's Vasquez Rocks, was used for a birthing scene involving a number of Vulcans. [32] (The rocks have appeared in past Trek shoots including the original series episode "Arena". [33])

Some scenes were shot in a large Orange County hangar. Production later returned to Long Beach for scenes at its city hall. Filming there wrapped on 14 December 2007, with several city staffers invited to the shoot, all of whom signed nondisclosure pacts. [34] [35]

During the week of 18 March 2008, parts of the film were shot at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), with the university's Oviatt Library standing in as part of Starfleet Academy. Although blue screens were placed on the sides of the lawn, light fixtures were modified, and emblems sporting the Starfleet emblem were hung on streetlights, little else was modified for the film. There was also a "futuristic kiosk" placed in the lawn. [36] Photos of the filming at CSUN feature dozens of extras dressed in red cadet uniforms (as well as some in more militaristic gray uniforms) as well as a futuristic-looking vehicle. [37]

The production made use of the Aptera Typ-1, a prototype electric vehicle. The Aptera was spotted on the CSUN campus being used as part of Starfleet Academy. [38][39] [40]

Clandestine set photos have shown up on JFX Online, including the first shots of Zachary Quinto made up as Spock, and Chris Pine as Kirk. To stem this breach, security on the set has been tightened; cast and crew members on location aren't allowed to leave the set for cigarette breaks, [41] and actors in costume can't walk in public – they are driven to and from set in golf carts, hidden behind black canvas. [42]

TrekMovie.com reports that a tribble will appear in the film. This news was met enthusiastically by David Gerrold, who introduced them in the classic episode "The Trouble with Tribbles". [43]

Audiences received their first glimpse of the newly-designed USS Enterprise when the film's official teaser trailer debuted during midnight screenings of the highly-marketed monster movie Cloverfield. AOL's Moviefone also released the very first online image from the trailer, featuring the Enterprise under construction. [44]

Abrams has stated that his goal with this film is to make Star Trek "real." As such, he is utilizing live sets and location shooting rather than green- and blue-screen sets wherever possible. Visual Effects Supervisor Roger Guyett anticipated that Star Trek will use about 1,000 visual effects shots, [45] though the number had increased to over 1,300 by August. [46] A source told TrekMovie.com that more ship interiors were created for this film than any other Trek film. There was also a minimal amount of redressing used. [47]

Approximately four weeks out of the twenty weeks of shooting took place on the bridge of the USS Enterprise.[48] The last day of shooting on the set of the Enterprise bridge was 25 January 2008. Scenes filmed included the intended final scene of the movie. During filming on that day, TrekMovie.com hosted a live chat in which J.J. Abrams, other crewmembers, and some of the cast answered fan-submitted questions from the bridge set. A transcript of this chat included a brief glimpse of the set – the first such on-set image – showing Abrams using his laptop at one of the stations. [49]

TOS stars Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig and veteran Trek writer and producer Ronald D. Moore were among the few who were permitted to visit the Star Trek set. Other celebrities who visited the set include Tom Cruise, Ben Stiller, Harrison Ford, Michelle Monaghan, and Steven Spielberg. Ford dropped by the set during the last week of shooting; Spielberg was on set during filming on the Enterprise and assisted Abrams with the action of one of the scenes. [50] [51]

In addition to the bridge, other areas aboard the Enterprise we will see in the movie are sickbay, crew quarters, corridors, engineering and the transporter room. All of these sets were built at Paramount Studios, with the exception of engineering, which was done on a redressed industrial location. [52]

Sets were also built for an earlier Federation starship called the USS Kelvin. The bridge of this ship reflects an earlier design than the Enterprise and is described as "a lot busier." This bridge set was redressed for use as the mock-up starship bridge in a scene depicting the Kobayashi Maru scenario. [53]

Other areas we will see on the Kelvin include sickbay, engineering, and some corridors. The ship utilized by the film's primary Romulan villains utilizes an interior design that is different from traditional TNG-era Romulan ships and is said to be "surreal." Scenes were also filmed on sets built to represent a medical shuttle and a transport shuttle.[54]

The producers are aiming for a PG-13 rating, which would make it the second straight (third overall) Star Trek film with that rating. The others are 1996's Star Trek: First Contact and 2002's Star Trek Nemesis. [55]

Industrial Light & Magic will provide special visual effects for the film. This will be the company's seventh film project for the Star Trek franchise. [56]

Although principal photography wrapped in March, second unit photography continued into April, under the direction of VFX supervisor Roger Guyett. In early April, some second unit work took place on location in Bakersfield, California, which is standing in for Iowa (the birthplace of James T. Kirk). While shooting in Bakersfield – near Highway 119 – on 8 April 2008, an automobile accident occurred in front of the set in which a car being driven by the location's site manager (a local official in charge of the site) crashed head-on into a truck. A passenger in the car and the driver of the truck were injured but survived, and the crash did not disrupt filming. [57] [58]

The first cut of the film was completed in July 2008. This cut was screened for studio executives at Paramount Pictures sometime in the last week of July and received a very positive response. [59]

Post-production on Star Trek was completed on 23 December 2008. The film spent just under nine months in the post-production process, the second longest in the franchise behind Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The final step in the process was sound editing, provided by Academy Award-winning sound designer Ben Burtt (best known for his work on the Star Wars films) and supervising sound editor Mark Stoeckinger. [60]

[edit] Story and script

The original film treatment (its initial story outline) was completed in August. By 24 August 2006, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman had begun a first draft of the screenplay, which was completed by 12 December 2006. A final draft was finished by 23 February 2007, when J.J. Abrams finally agreed to direct the film. [61] [62] [63]

As late as 20 March 2007, the script was undergoing typical budgeting rewrites. [64] A second final draft was complete by 8 October 2007. [65] The script is about 128 pages long and took approximately four months to write. [66]

There is currently little official information on the story. The current synopsis for the film as released by Paramount Pictures reads: From director J.J. Abrams ("Mission: Impossible III," "Lost" and "Alias") and screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman ("TRANSFORMERS," "MI: III") comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, "Star Trek," featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before. [67]

Abrams has repeatedly said it's too early to discuss plot, and that he and others made a pact not to share details. [68] [69] What is known is that the film will be set prior to the original Star Trek series, will involve Kirk and Spock, and will include an appearance by the original Enterprise. [70] [71][72] Writers Orci and Kurtzman have stated the film will feature Kirk and Spock in the early stages of their friendship. [73] Casting announcements since then have revealed the film will include all the main characters from the original series.

The writers hope to fill a gap in Trek history and explore the origins of the original series. [74] Discussing his vision, Abrams has said "Star Trek to me was always about infinite possibility and the incredible imagination that Gene Roddenberry brought to that core of characters. It was a show about purpose, about faith versus logic, about science versus emotion, about us versus them. It was its own world, and yet it was our world." [75]

Rumors abound that the film will travel between time periods, [76] though at any rate the writers intend to stay true to established Trek history. [77]

It was confirmed in October that the film would feature Kirk's parents, as well as prior Enterprise captain Christopher Pike[78] in a substantial role. [79] Spock's parents, Sarek and Amanda Grayson, will also appear. [80] However, scenes featuring Kirk's former CO, Garrovick, and Kirk's service under Garrovick aboard the USS Farragut will not be in the film as first reported. These elements, which were included in early drafts of the script, were removed in rewrites. [81] Carol Marcus was also included in early drafts, but she is not in the shooting script. [82]

In an interview posted 8 March 2007, the writers stated that the "intended title" for the film is simply Star Trek, without any colons or subtitles. [83] The title was made official in a second teaser poster unveiled at the San Diego ComicCon in July 2007. [84]

Co-writer Alex Kurtzman said the script draws inspiration from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and that it involves "an incredibly great bad guy." [85] He and Roberto Orci are even hoping to recapture the spirit of The Wrath of Khan for this particular film. [86] Other inspirations for the film include the novels "Prime Directive" and "Spock's World", [87] the TOS episode, "Balance of Terror", and the TNG episode, "Yesterday's Enterprise". ^[1]

In addition, the writers have said repeatedly they want the film to appeal not just to Trek fans, but to new audiences as well. [88] [89] They especially decided to bring the feel of the original Star Wars trilogy into the movie, since Abrams has often said he's more a fan of Star Wars than Star Trek. [90]

Although Abrams revealed in an Entertainment Weekly interview that the film will revolve around Spock in many ways, [91] Orci has said Kirk and McCoy are also central to the story. [92]

On 30 August 2007 Ain't It Cool News reported on rumors they claimed to have heard about the film's plot. [93] CHUD (Cinematic Happenings Under Development) later claimed to have "100% confirmed" these plot leaks. [94] A report posted by IESB.net in September also seems to have confirmed at least part of the plot rumors. [95]

Trekmovie.com later confirmed some of the plot elements reported by AICN as true, although much of it was purely speculative. TrekMovie also confirmed that some scenes will be set at Starfleet Academy, including one in which we see Kirk solve the Kobayashi Maru scenario described in Star Trek II. [96] IESB later added to rumors that the story involved the Guardian of Forever from the classic episode "The City on the Edge of Forever". [97] This news prompted the episode's writer Harlan Ellison to demand compensation if elements from his story were used in the film. [98] Ellison later revealed, however, that the rumors were not true. [99]

According to Roberto Orci, the most difficult characters to write for were the film's villain and James T. Kirk. [100] One source which Orci and Kurtzman utilized during the entire writing process was this website, Memory Alpha. The writers also occasionally referenced Memory Alpha during the film's production. [101]

It has been confirmed that Romulans are the main antagonists in the film, led by Nero (the primary villain) and his second-in-command, Ayel. Their plot involves not only time travel but also the destruction of a planet (later revealed to be Vulcan) using a type of "drilling rig," during which time they come into confrontation with Kirk and crew (which involves a fight between a sword-wielding Sulu and a Romulan). All Romulans in the film will be bald and will not bear the forehead ridges seen in the 24th century-era shows and Star Trek: Enterprise. [102] Actor Clifton Collins, Jr., who plays Ayel, confirmed that both he and Bana play Romulans in the movie, referring to their characters as "space pirates." [103]

It has also been revealed that the plot involves an elder Spock traveling into the past from a post-Star Trek Nemesis timeframe[104] utilizing a small vessel built specifically for time travel. In addition, Kirk's father, George Samuel Kirk, Sr., (played by Chris Hemsworth) will be seen in the film as First Officer aboard the USS Kelvin, under the command of Captain Robau (Faran Tahir). The Kelvin is a Federation starship from a generation before the Enterprise and is a class of starship that has not yet been seen. [105]

Orci has revealed that the film takes place within an alternate timeline. He stated that any canon changes made in this timeline will not affect the former timeline, arguing that the scientific theory of quantum mechanics permits the existence of parallel timelines and parallel universes. He also believes that this theory allows for the continuance of a timeline even after a change is affected and an alternate timeline is created. In addition, he argues that, although the timeline has changed, the true nature of the characters does not change and that Kirk and company are the same people they are in the original timeline. [106]

[edit] Casting

Casting for the film began as early as October 2006. [107] It was confirmed in August 2006 that both William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have signed contracts giving them some approval power on recasting of their characters, suggesting that actors are being sought after to fill in the roles of a young Kirk and Spock. [108] (Nimoy later stated, however, that, more accurately, he and Shatner had consultation rights when it came to recasting their roles. [109])

The first actor cast in the new film was Heroes star Zachary Quinto, who will portray a young Spock. Quinto first expressed his desire to portray the famous Vulcan-Human character in December 2006, as reported by Trekmovie.com. [110] Quinto first met with the filmmakers on 15 April 2007. He was offered the role on 7 June 2007, two days after a second meeting with Abrams. [111] Quinto being cast as Spock was first reported by Watch with Kristin at E! Online. [112] An official announcement was made at San Diego's Comic-Con International on 26 July 2007.

Also at Comic-Con, it was announced that Leonard Nimoy will reprise his role as Spock for the new film. [113] Nimoy had stated previously that he would come out of retirement to play Spock only if he thought "the project had merit." [114] Explaining his reasons for participating in the film, Nimoy praised Abrams, Quinto, and the script, and summed up his decision by stating "it was logical". [115] He later gave three explicit reasons for doing this project: the fact that it is Star Trek, his admiration for Abrams, and an "essential" and "interesting Spock role". [116] Abrams has stated that the casting of Nimoy is "critical if we’re going to look at reintroducing these characters", noting that, to make this a "great film", it must "both please the fans and those who have never seen Star Trek... having Leonard in the film shows that this film exists in a continuum of Trek history, as opposed to an absolute, page 1 reinvention." [117]

In July, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news Russian-born actor Anton Yelchin (Charlie Bartlett, Alpha Dog) is in negotiations to play Pavel Chekov in the film. [118] In an August interview with USA Today, Zachary Quinto confirmed that Yelchin had indeed been cast in the role. [119]

Citing sources close to the film's production, Trek Movie Report announced on 29 August 2007 that actress and model Zoë Saldaña had been offered the role of Uhura in the film. The following month, Variety reported that Saldaña has signed on for the role. [120] [121]

On 9 October 2007, it was announced that Australian actor Eric Bana has been cast to play the villain in the film, named Nero. [122] It has been confirmed that Nero is a Romulan. [123]

Two days later, it was announced that two more actors were added to the cast: British actor and comedian Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) will play Montgomery Scott, while John Cho has been cast as Hikaru Sulu. [124] [125]

On 10 October 2007, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Chris Pine (Just My Luck, Smokin' Aces) was in negotiations to play the role of James T. Kirk. However, he was also in negotiations to star in Joe Carnahan's White Jazz. [126] The following week, director Joe Carnahan stated on his official blog that Pine had decided to star in Star Trek. He officially signed on to play Kirk on 17 October 2007. [127] [128]

Also signing onto the film on 17 October was New Zealand-born actor Karl Urban, who will play Dr. McCoy. [129] When Urban's name first surfaced in connection with Star Trek on 28 September 2007, it was stated he had been offered the role of a villainous Romulan. [130] Trekmovie.com later confirmed that Urban had indeed been offered a role in the film, but not as a Romulan. [131] This role was later revealed to be McCoy.

As stated by The Hollywood Reporter, "bigger-name actors" are expected to be cast in the roles of the film's villain and "the Federation captain". [132] Although it was speculated that the latter was meant to be Captain Pike, Trekmovie.com later confirmed it was a new character. Other known characters to be cast include the parents of Kirk and Spock and two henchmen of the villain, Nero. [133]

On 8 November 2007, it was announced that the role of Christopher Pike was given to Bruce Greenwood. [134] Shortly thereafter, it was announced that movie star Winona Ryder has signed on to play Spock's mother, Amanda Grayson. [135] It has also been announced that English actor Ben Cross is playing Sarek, Spock's father. [136]

The casting announcements continued the following day, as it was confirmed that Jennifer Morrison had been cast in the film after being spotted at the first day of shooting. [137] It was later confirmed that Morrison will be playing the mother of James T. Kirk, Winona Kirk. [138] It was also announced that Australian actor Chris Hemsworth would be playing Jim Kirk's father, George Kirk, Sr. Variety later confirmed this, in addition to announcing that Clifton Collins, Jr. will be playing Ayel, "the cohort and general to Nero." [139]

On 1 November 2007, Freeze Dried Tomatoes reported that a "very reliable source" had "overheard" that actress Rachel Nichols has been cast in a role in the film. [140] Nichols later told The Toronto Sun that there is "a good chance" she will be in the film, although she did not yet know the name of the character she may be playing. [141] Trekmovie.com later confirmed that Nichols will be playing an Orion in the film. [142]

On 13 December 2007 it was announced that Stargate: Atlantis actor Paul McGillion had won a small speaking role in the film after having auditioned for the role of Scotty. [143]

According to UGO, popular playwright, actor and director Tyler Perry has already filmed scenes as the (apparently human) head of Starfleet Academy in the movie. The report states that Perry's scene involve Kirk and Spock, giving some plot details as to how the two first met. [144] TrekMovie.com later confirmed Perry's casting, revealing his scenes were those shot at the City Council in Long Beach. [145]

Jimmy Bennett and Spencer Daniels will be playing Jim Kirk and George Samuel Kirk, respectively, as adolescents. [146] [147] Jacob Kogan will appear as an adolescent Spock. [148]

Faran Tahir will be portraying the aforementioned "Federation captain," a "heroic" starship commander who will play an important role in the film. [149] The character's name was later revealed to be Captain Robau, commanding officer of the Starship Kelvin. [150][151]

Hollywood Operating System (Hollywood OS) and Headquarters Casting (HQC) were the agencies working in conjunction to hire extras for the film. They held an open casting call for extras on 10 November 2007, an event which hundreds attended. [152]

Variety has reported that Majel Barrett will reprise her role as the voice of the Enterprise computer. [153] [154]

[edit] Rumors and gossip

As the buzz around the film was building and word spread that the characters of the original Star Trek series were to be recast, rumors as to who would play the younger versions of these iconic characters also arose while a number of actors reportedly expressed interest in participating in the film.

Among the first actors to express interest in a role in Star Trek was the aforementioned Greg Grunberg, who stated that he would talk with Abrams about possibly playing a Klingon in the film, although he later expressed interest in playing a young Scotty. [155] [156] [157] [158] He has since decided he would like to play a Vulcan. [159] Abrams later revealed that, although Grunberg was going to be in the movie, the actor bowed out to star in, produce and co-write another film. [160]

In August 2007, Ain't It Cool News claimed to have obtained a partial character casting sheet for the new film. The sheet lists all the main TOS characters with the exception of Chekov, who was not seen until the second season. According to the claim, the character descriptions, along with the ages of the actors the filmmakers are looking for, are as follows:

• [JAMES KIRK] 23-29 - Handsome, cocky self assured and earnest. Great physical condition. 6 ft or less.

• [LEONARD (BONES) McCOY] 28-32 - Medic on the Enterprise. Smart, clever and a bit danger-loving. Dark hair, blue eyes.

• [UHURA] 25ish - African-American. Brilliant, beautiful, heroic and FUN!, Uhura is almost tom-boyish - as if she grew up in a houseful of brothers.

• [SULU] 25-32 - Asian-American male (preferably Japanese). Helmsman on the Enterprise. Extremely fit, capable and dedicated. A bit of a wildcat.

• [MONTGOMERY (SCOTTY) SCOTT] 28-32 - A brilliant ship's engineer. Must be able to do a flawless Scottish accent!

One prominent rumor suggested that Abrams was very interested in casting Matt Damon as Captain Kirk, even soliciting William Shatner's aid in signing him up. [161] Damon himself denied having been approached for the role, [162] although he later told Sci-fi Wire that he would be interested in playing a young Captain Kirk if the script met with his satisfaction. [163] In March 2007, Kurtzman, although not confirming that Damon will play Kirk, stated that he was "the hugest Matt Damon fan. If he became [Kirk], great." [164] In a recent interview with IGN, Damon stated that the filmmakers were looking for someone younger than Damon. [165]

Oscar-nominated Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson, The Notebook) has supposedly shown interest in portraying Jim Kirk. [166] In July 2007, actor Sam Rockwell (Guy Fleegman on Galaxy Quest and Zaphod Beeblebrox in the film version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) announced his wish to play James Kirk in the new film, although he didn't believe he would be able to "copy" William Shatner. He also suggested that Jason Schwartzman and Halle Berry should play Spock and Uhura, respectively, and that Sulu could be turned into a woman and played by someone like Lucy Liu. [167]

On 26 September 2007, IESB.net, citing industry sources, reported that Mike Vogel was "the front runner" for the role of Kirk, citing studio insiders. IESB were not able to get comment from either Paramount or Vogel's agent, although they did note that the agency "nervously asked" where they had heard the news. [168] Trekmovie.com later confirmed that Vogel was a contender for the role, though he was "just one of the people being look at." [169] The role has since gone to Chris Pine.

Before Zachary Quinto won the role, IGN reported that Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody was rumored to be in talks to play Spock. [170] Brody later confirmed that he had indeed have a discussion with J.J. Abrams about the role. [171]

IGN also stated that Oscar-nominated actor Gary Sinise (Forrest Gump, CSI: NY) was in talks to play the role of Dr. McCoy. [172] Sinise subsequently denied the rumor. [173] During a short phone interview with J.J. Abrams on his show, The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert jokingly expressed that he felt he was perfect for the role of Dr. McCoy.

Among the actors who have shown interest in playing Scotty, besides the aforementioned Greg Grunberg, is Grunberg's Alias co-star Kevin Weisman. [174] In the meantime, James Doohan's son, Chris, started a campaign asking fans to write to Paramount in an attempt to persuade the studio to have either himself or his twin brother, Montgomery, play their father's role of Scotty. [175] On 5 November 2007 it was revealed that Chris Doohan had recently auditioned for a "minor speaking role" in the film. He has not yet been offered a part. [176]

The Sunday Mail reported that Scottish actor James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland) was being sought to play Scotty. [177] IGN later stated the same thing. [178] McAvoy's publicist denied the actor was approached for a role. [179] According to The Daily Record, Scottish actors Greg Hemphill and Martin Compston are also up for the role of Scotty. [180] [181]

IGN named Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise guest actor and current Lost star Daniel Dae Kim as a contender for the role of Sulu. [182] Later, IESB.net reported that Heroes actor James Kyson Lee was interested in playing Sulu. [183]

Sources were reporting that Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) may have a role in the film, possibly as a doctor (but not "Bones" McCoy). [184] There was also a rumor that the new James Bond, Daniel Craig, was interested in a role. [185]

Quoting "an insider," Star Magazine stated in March 2007 that actress Jennifer Garner, who starred in Abrams' Alias television series, would "be just the right person for Star Trek because she's a chameleon." The magazine predicted Garner would be in the running to play a love interest for Spock. [186] In October that same year, Garner told Rotten Tomatoes that she would "absolutely" sign up to appear in Star Trek if she were asked. [187]

Abrams is on record as saying that it would "be awesome" if he were able to cast his Felicity and Mission: Impossible III actress Keri Russell as a Klingon. [188] Russell later told TV guide that she was indeed in talks for a role in Star Trek, although it does not seem likely she will land one. [189] She later told IESB that she and Abrams had decided not to go through with it. [190]

Actress Sydney Tamiia Poitier reportedly auditioned for a role in the film. [191] It is unknown what role she auditioned for, though it is believed to be Uhura. [192]

Other actors who were widely rumored to have been considered or even approached for a role in the film are Ben Affleck and Tom Cruise. [193] [194] Both of these, however, have been proven false. [195] [196]

On 6 August 2007, IGN reported that "a trusted source" had revealed to them that Abrams is looking to cast his Mission: Impossible III star Tom Cruise in a cameo as Captain Pike. [197] Cruise's publicist, however, has denied the rumor. [198] This was the second time a rumor stating Cruise would have a cameo in the film was debunked – the first occurred in October 2006. [199] [200] Cruise himself later denied the rumor that he was involved. [201]

IGN later reported that Paramount was attempting to sign up Oscar-winner Russell Crowe to play the film's villain, although their source believed it was doubtful this will happen due to Crowe's busy schedule. [202] In an interview with Extra, Crowe said he was "apparently" up for the role, but that he had yet to read anything and could not make a decision until he did. [203] Eric Bana has since won the role.

According to IESB, actor Josh Lucas was being considered for the role of Pike. [204] This was later confirmed by Trekmovie.com, although it was implied that Lucas is not the leading candidate. [205] The role ultimately went to Bruce Greenwood.

Starburst Magazine stated in its 356th issue (published in November 2007) that George Takei would be appearing in the film, reprising his role as Sulu in "a flash forward sequence" opposite Leonard Nimoy. [206] TrekMovie.com later confirmed this report was incorrect. [207]

Star Trek: Enterprise star Dominic Keating revealed in the May 2008 issue of Star Trek: The Magazine that he auditioned for the role of Jim Kirk's uncle. He ultimately did not get the part, however. [208]

TOS actress Nichelle Nichols revealed at the Supernova Pop Culture Expo on 28 June 2008 that she and J.J. Abrams discussed the possibility of Nichols making an appearance in the new film, perhaps as the grandmother of Uhura (the character she originated on TOS). Due to the writers' strike, however, her inclusion into the script was not possible. [209]

[edit] Shatner controversy

Yet another actor who has expressed interest in a role is William Shatner himself. [210] In an interview with Time magazine, Shatner claimed to have been approached by Abrams for a role in Star Trek. [211] Shatner even reported several times his belief that Abrams was planning for both him and Leonard Nimoy to appear in the film, although they would have to be meaningful roles. [212] [213]

Shatner learned he did not have a role in the film while discussing the script with Leonard Nimoy over the phone. [214] According to Nimoy, although Shatner does not have a role the film, Shatner is not "furious" about it as some have reported. [215] The film's writers have stated their wish for Shatner to be a part of the film's shoot, and the filmmakers are currently looking for a way to include Shatner in the film. [216] [217] [218] [219] It has been implied by Nimoy that the reason Shatner does not have a role in the script is due to the events of Star Trek Generations, which featured the death of Captain Kirk. [220] This suggests that Nimoy's scenes as Spock may take place in the 24th century.

In an interview with then-executive producer Stratton Leopold, the Savannah Morning News stated that "studio executives still hope to convince William Shatner to suit up as Captain Kirk one more time." [221] This contradicts previous reports stating that Shatner was the one attempting to convince Abrams and crew to find a way to put him in the movie. It is possible that the Savannah report is merely mistaken or that the line was taken out of context.

The fact that Nimoy has a role in the film and Shatner does not has disappointed Shatner and has also caused an uproar from some fans on forums and discussion boards. However, Abrams has stated that no matter what the filmmakers came up with, it "felt like it was transparently fan boys trying to get Shatner in the movie." [222]

In an interview with IGN, J.J. Abrams finally put an end to the rumors by stating that William Shatner is not in the movie at all and Leonard Nimoy is the only actor from the original series who is. [223]

In another interview with AMC, Abrams admitted there was a scene written for Shatner, but he and the writers decided not to use it because "it didn't feel right" and they still had to respect canon. In addition, Shatner was vocal in his unwillingness to be involved un