Star Trek is looming upon us, again. Slated for release in 2008 and directed by J.J. Abrams (Mission Impossible III), it promises more dazzling special effects, mind-boggling CGI effects and Leonard Nimoy in a supporting role! Cast and crew were in high spirits during a press conference held at Comic Con (an annual comic books and popular entertainment expo held last month in San Diego, California as J.J. Abrams discussed the finer points of adapting the story while respecting the Star Trek cannon.

As far as how the story will go, he explained that ‘there are ‘large gaps where there is nothing known, including the 7 years immediately prior to the Original Series and its ‘5 year mission.’ ‘These gaps give the writers ample opportunities to work with.’ He then introduced Trek stalwart Leonard Nimoy and Zach Quinto, who plays Captain Spock in the upcoming movie . Quin recently had roles in TV’s Heroes and Crossing Jordan. Everyone gushed over the upcoming projects and Nimoy praised Quinto as a choice replacement for the indomitable Spock. ‘The choice is logical,’ he quipped.

The film is produced by Bad Robot and Paramount Pictures and will be distributed by the latter. Budget is estimated at a whopping $120M and release slated for December 2008.