Abrams is set to go, boldly I may add, where no man has gone before...again...

In 2009, J.J. Abrams took a well known franchise, Star Trek - adored by many as the greatest sci-fi series of all time - and gave it a 21st Century gleam. However, in doing so, Abrams achieved something that few before him had - a film that lived up to the regimental standards of its fan base whilst appeasing society's need for action, explosions and CGI-beauty. After all, what's a blockbuster without an explosion?

Better still, Abrams had resurrected a classic, embracing the rich television history of Gene Roddenberry's creation while exploring new territory through a cinematic format. Put simply, Abrams went "where no man had gone before".

With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, an Oscar (for Makeup, with nominations for Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, and Visual Effects) and a very eager production company, a sequel was a matter of 'when'; and yet J.J. insisted on perfection. Script after script was submitted for his approval, and each fell short of his expectations. In his own words: "I want to make sure that we're putting the story and the characters, the cast and the crew, and most importantly the audience, first before we start talking about exactly which locations we're going to be shooting at and what the wardrobe and visual effects budgets are."

And so, after months of feverish debate, ill-founded gossip and unsubstantiated rumours, Abrams has announced that filming will commence tomorrow, Thursday 12th January 2012 - trekkies rejoice!

In an interview with Collider, Abrams told how Star Trek 2 will be shot on film, because 3D isn't capable of anamorphic production, before being post-converted; that Benedict Cumberbatch was cast because of how awesome his name is (as well as how awesome his acting is); and that filming is likely to take four months.

As for the cast...well, in true Abrams style, it's sublime. Because of the sequel's story, Abrams has chosen not to bring back any of the cast from the original series, though Leonard Nimoy memorably reprised his role as Spock in Star Trek (2009). So, rather than trawling the internet for individual castings, here's a brief run down of those chosen to date:

Benedict Cumberbatch, of Sherlock fame. Believed to be cast as ST2's villain (though the typically cagey Abrams cast doubt on this with: "Who said he's the villain?"), this is yet another franchise that Cumberbatch has joined, having signed on to Peter Jackson's The Hobbit and recently appearing in Steven Spielberg's War Horse and the film adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Joseph Gatt, best known for his role as Frost Giant Grundroth in Thor. Gatt's role is being kept quiet, but you can be sure that it's one that makes full use of his impressive stature.

This is rapidly becoming a British-only affair. Best known as 'Micky' in Doctor Who, Noel Clarke is set to play "...a family man with a wife and young daughter" - great scoop there Variety! Either way, it's a casting that has Abrams' stamp all over.

Another unspecified role, Alice Eve - of She's Out of My League fame - was cast ahead of Hayley Atwell (Captain America) and Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four)...apparently. Little is known on how Abrams intents to use Eve, but at least we know there's a bit of eye candy now.

When Peter Weller was first cast, Abrams and co were remaining as tight-lipped as ever on his involvement. However, Weller's agent, Tony Eisner, revealed recently that his client's role is a "substantial one, which will see him playing a CEO". Now, a question to the Trekkies out there - is there any well-documented CEO in the Star Trek mythology?

For the younger readers out there, Weller is most known for his performance as RoboCop in 1987's aptly named RoboCop - how about that for an interesting role?

Last, but certainly not least, we have Nazneen Contractor. Best known for her role in television series 24, the dark haired beauty is set to play Noel Clarke's on-screen wife. Heck, it's not much, but at least we know something about this one, right?

And there we have it, your full casting list. I must say I'm pleased that Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are returning, because I feel their castings as Kirk and Spock were right on the money; as were the castings of the other, magnificent five (Simon Pegg as Scotty, Karl Urban as McCoy, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Anton Yelchin as Chekov and John Cho as Sulu; also set to return). Pine has that cheeky, daredevil persona to a tee, whereas Quinto does logical like no other.

Star Trek 2 - a proper title is yet to be decided - is set for a May 2013 release, and I'm already counting down the days. After all, this is a series that gave us this wonderful quote:

"I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, I'll let you know" (Picard, Jean Luc; Star Trek: The Next Generation

See also:

Iron Man 3 filming to begin in May

Will Star Trek return to the small screen?

The Praxis effect: Star Wars > Star Trek

3D or no 3D? That is the question ...

The Super 8 secret: digital nostalgia

Mission: Impossible III – The Summer Blockbuster Hollywood Got Right

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR SITE, AT NO COST WITH ONE CLICK ON THE FACEBOOK 'LIKE' BUTTON BELOW:

If you're interested in writing for Shadowlocked (disc and screening reviews, etc, or just getting some extra coverage for your extraordinary writing talent, get in touch with us.