Has Benedict Cumberbatch Been Cast In 'STAR WARS: EPISODE VII?'

It's Monday and Labor Day, so it's only natural a hot Star Wars story is cast out for us to obsess over. So how does this latest rumor sit with you folks? Benedict Cumberbatch has been cast in Star Wars: Episode VII.

That's the latest word around town, according to a report from Film Chronicles. The popular Sherlock star is set to re-team with his Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams in a role yet to be revealed. His casting announcement is reportedly imminent. It should be noted that Cumberbatch recently and unexpectedly dropped out of Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak with no official reason given. Peak and Episode VII are slated to film at the same time, which would mean picking one or the other.

NOTHING has been confirmed for any of the cast yet. We are all still assuming that Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are on board (though there has been more than enough smoke for that fire to say it's a foregone conclusion they will return to their iconic roles). Scant info has been leaked about Abrams' Star Wars, except for the unconfirmed search for seven leads, some of whom are presumably the offspring of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Leia Organa. Rachel Hurd-Wood (Solomon Kane) and Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) have been thrown into that rumor mill.

Cumberbatch may be out of that age range to play the next generation of Solos or Skywalkers with the film set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, but he could easily knock it out of the ball park as the latest red lightsaber wielding Sith Lord. Whether he's up for another villain role after Into Darkness remains to be seen, but I have little doubt he could bring the same perfect chilling face and voice of evil to Star Wars. Cumberbatch is also a fan favorite across the board, so I wouldn't anticipate any backlash of Affleck proportions if this were to prove true.

In May while chatting up Star Trek Into Darkness, he had this to say regarding conversations with Abrams about a potential Star Wars role with Total Film:

“I’ve already asked him if I can be a lightsaber and we’re in talks - about whirring sounds and the rates for the lights and everything [laughs]." 

“I thought, ‘Yeah, I grew up with them,’ and I just looked recently at when they were released and now I’m like, ‘No, I didn’t grow up with them, I was born with them.’ They were a huge part of my background, and my upbringing." 

“I was much more connected to [Star Wars] as a kid, in the way that a lot of kids are because it’s immediate storytelling, very simple - a beautifully, outrageously simple narrative in a way - and a wonderful three-act melodrama, opera. And I loved them. I really, really loved those films and I always wanted to be Han Solo. Everything Harrison Ford did I just thought was the coolest thing ever - Raiders Of The Lost Ark was very much my upbringing as well."

“What I realized with the reboot of Star Trek in 2009 is that I had a residual love and empathy for these characters because I felt really, giddily sentimental about them getting back together, and this origin story. So Star Trek seeds a little deeper for most people, it’s a little bit more mature - it doesn’t take itself too seriously though, it’s very humorous and fast-paced and imaginative and fun." 

“But I think the serious things that really kind of get you… that comes from good characters, really well drawn characters that have fantastically rich relationships and really interesting meat in the stories.

“They may be set in space but they dealt with every kind of discussion or morality play, or debate about race or purpose and place and identity, and what it is to belong, and the human condition, and that’s its enduring appeal. I’m backtracking a bit but what I’m saying is my fervour for Trek was there, I just didn’t realize it. I was an out-and-out kid running around with a lightsaber wanting to fly the Millennium Falcon but I think I’m growing into being a Trekkie, if that makes sense.”

As with just about everything to do with this film, only official news is official news. Does this story have enough merit to pan out? Or do we throw in on the pile to keep company with that silly Ryan Gosling rumor? We can speculate till the twin suns set. But so far the people involved on the record are the director, producers, screenwriter, and composer.

More to come soon...

SOURCES: Film Chronicles, Total Film, Bleeding Cool

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Film Review - STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS ★ ★ ★☆☆

J.J. Abrams did what may thought was impossible, he made Star Trek cool, slick and damn fun. Rebooting and infusing new blood into the iconic original '60s TV series with a young cast, lavish special effects and a lot of lens flare proved to be the way to go for a franchise that was enjoying a well deserved hiatus following a run of five shows and ten big screen adventures.

2009's Star Trek was a hot box office hit that managed to gain scores of new fans and please conventions of old school Trekkers. Well, most of them anyways. As Spock would say: "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." And for my fellow fans that is what it really comes down to for Abrams' take, making Trek movies for the masses, not love letters to old school fans who will dissect the films to pieces regardless.

Bigger means bigger here. Bigger effects. Bigger ships. Bigger explosions. Bigger battles. Big thrills with massive twists and turns. Yes, buckle your seat belts for the said twists and turns you're in store for. Hell, after all this time, even the Enterprise is FINALLY outfitted with much needed seat belts. I'll refrain from stepping deep into any specific spoiler territory here, they already exist aplenty online and are easily within one or two quick clicks of this review. Needless to say, it's only fair to be vague on the story, and a entirely different discussion can be made once one is freed from tiptoeing around the meaty plot details.

That said, this epic well-paced second big screen adventure starts off as it should, right in the thick of the action. We already got the origin story, so thankfully absolutely no precious screen time is wasted on getting reacquainted with our iconic intrepid crew: Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) and Scotty (Simon Pegg).

What should have been a innocuous mission turns into a major breach of etiquette regarding Starfleet's Prime Directive, which protects primitive cultures from exposure to higher technology than they have developed on their own. Kirk being hotheaded Kirk pays no heed to such things from the rule book in order to save Spock's life on an alien world. Following the thrilling eye opening sequence, James T is stripped of his ship and command as a result of cheating death for his Vulcan friend. Echoes of plot points from the Shanter/Nimoy-era films will not fall on deaf ears to older fans.

Acts of brutal Earth-bound terrorism committed by Benedict Cumberbatch's former Starfleet officer John Harrison sees Kirk and crew sent off on a splinter cell mission to take him out while also leading them into a head to head battle with the Klingons. It's likely that the first half hour of Into Darkness contains more action and gunplay than we've ever seen in any version of Trek. Not only is that is a good thing, but now a staple regarding the more accessible direction the series has taken.

It's from this point on the highly appropriate Into Darkness title really kicks in as friendships are tested and lost, characters show their true colors, and the plot takes you on a rollar coaster ride free for all on what you think you know, and what you actually know. The first film which by including Leonard Nimoy as Spock, directly dealt with, explained and incorporated (but nonetheless rebooted) the original series' timeline. Into Darkness however plays with past ideas on a much more subtle level. It could have easily just moved forward freely on its own path, but fans (with varying degrees) will hear echoes from the rich history to recycle. How you feel about this here depends on your view of whether the series has earned the right to stand all on its own, or should adhere to taking various cues from the past.

Cumberbatch, best know for his acclaimed work on BBC's Sherlock, brings a menacing cold steel elegance to the film's rogue villain. While his role here has been the object of obsessive online speculation since he was cast, Cumberbatch truly tests the mettle of the crew and effortlessly makes his mark among the best of the Trek villains.

Alice Eve joins the cast as Carol Marcus, a familiar character re-booted for the new timeline. While a welcome addition, her necessary role in the plot tips the balance for the ensemble crew and takes away some screen time from Sulu and Chekov. Genre icon Peter Weller turns in a truly memorable performance as her father Admiral Marcus, who proves to be a crucial chess piece to the dynamics of the dense plot filled with heavy political and personal overtones.

For the most part, the film held me firmly on board. I marveled at the intricacies of the screenplay and Abrams' lens flare-adorned spectacle that I am an admitted apologist for. But then came one pivotal point in the third act and it all crashed on me, and the film firmly loses its identity. I have to admit certain subsequent script decisions dropped me hard, real hard. It's easily a debatable point, and I can't really expand on it this early in the film's theatrical run. But it's a firm loud announcement from behind the curtain of "Oh yes, we're really gonna do this" to the audience in the know.

The screenplay takes the rebooted characters their next level, and some of the interplay is exceptional. While perhaps not quite the middle chapter of a trilogy we may have expected, it certainly frees the series up from some necessary building block bullet points (despite how much I knew about the plot ahead of time, I still found myself constantly surprised as the story progressed). Expectations are big, and film makers like Abrams set their own bar sky high.

What works tremendously is the top notch visuals, as if that would be in doubt. If you can hold on for cameras with contant yet precise motion, you're in luck. There is a boatload of glorious CGI magic, it always feels tangible with substantial weight behind it all. The healthy portion of practical sets and effects mixed in should be applauded. The 3D conversion is also quite good, Abrams' directing and framing style thankfully lends itself to the extra layer.

Old fans and newbie fans will take away different things from the experience, and I feel those with less baggage from the past may be better off for it in this case. My reservations lie directly with the script choices made that tested me as an old school fan who sees the blank slate of the alternate timeline a greater freedom to move beyond Trek history, which is not always the case here. If your Trek filmography is comprised solely of the 2009 film, pay no heed to my cavets (which marred, but did not supersede my overall enjoyment of the film).

Is this an event movie well worth the price of admission? Absolutely. Star Trek Into Darkness is a worthy epic experience that delivers heart, relentless action, massive stunning visuals and even finds appropriate spots for humor and deep arcs between the core characters. If you enjoyed the last installment, this is a thinker's amped-up must-see sequel. It expands the new Trek universe and firmly sets the stage to re-explore a welcome familiar path for the crew of the USS Enterprise. Casual fans will walk away happy go lucky, though Trekkers may require discussion groups to vent some issues amongst friends.

Up next for Abrams (in 2015) is nothing less than Star Wars: Episode VII. While I don't want Star Wars to look exactly like this, I sure don't mind knowing it may look a lot like this. 

Star Trek Into Darkness opens in 2D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D on May 16th.

REVIEW RATING: ★ ★ ★☆☆
Directed By: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urba, John Cho
Studio: Paramount
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 132 minutes


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Jimmy Kimmel Hits Another Late Night 'Star Wars' Sketch Home Run With J.J. Abrams

Jimmy Kimmel Live! made a Star Wars splash with last month's sketch involving guest Harrison Ford taking audience questions regarding the upcoming Episode VII. It had some funny moments and even re-united the galaxy's best loved duo of scoundrels.

J.J. Abrams appeared last night to promote Star Trek Into Darkness, and talk obviously found its way towards the director's next big undertaking, the next film to take place in a galaxy far far away. The segment features fan suggestions, surprise appearances by sci-fi icons, and look closely for Fandango's movie guru Dave Karger who had a prime seat in the audience.

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The Two Spocks Face Off In A Funny And Fascinating Audi Commercial

This fantastic commercial for Audi called The Challenge stars old and young Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto. Besides the Warp Ten geek factor of seeing them play opposite one another again, the ad is just damned witty and full of clever quips and nerd nods to both Trekkers and Hobbit fans.

SOURCE: Audi

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TRAILER PARK: 'Man of Steel' • 'Star Trek Into Darkness' • 'The Lone Ranger' • 'R.I.P.D.'

It's been a pretty good week for movie trailers. Thanks to Las Vegas' CinemaCon, the studio big wigs made it a priority to unleash the newest and biggest trailers yet to their upcoming summer tentpoles. Warner Bros. following their "less is more... until it counts" mantra hit us hard with the epic new trailer for Man of Steel. Paramount continued their streak of minimalist plot but yet amazing sneak peek at Star Trek Into Darkness. Disney revealed the biggest look at The Lone Ranger (while letting us wonder less and less what a $250 million western looks like), and Universal finally set forth the first look at the supernatural MIB-esque R.I.P.D., starring the one-two punch of Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges.

Enjoy...

Star Trek Into Darkness hits theaters in 3D on May 17th.

Man of Steel hits the big screen in 3D on June 14th.

The Lone Ranger rides into theaters on July 3rd.

R.I.P.D. walks among the living on July 19th.

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New 'Star Trek Into Darkness' International Trailer & Poster Promise Much Mayhem and Destruction

New poster and international trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness.

Enjoy.

Set to hit theaters in 3D on May 17th, the film stars Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (McCoy), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Checkov), Bruce Greenwood (Pike), and Alice Eve (Carol Marcus).

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New 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Teaser Trailer Hits The Web

Check out the new teaser trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness, which can currently be seen with Oz The Great and Powerful.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, the crew of the USS Enterprise is reunited to take on the "one man weapon of mass destruction," a former Starfleet officer and terrorist in the form of Benedict Cumberbatch's John Harrison. 

Set to hit theaters in 3D on May 17th, the film stars Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (McCoy), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Checkov), Bruce Greenwood (Pike), and Alice Eve (Carol Marcus).

Official synopsis:

"In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.
With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew."

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TOY FAIR 2013: Klingons Invade Hasbro's 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Toy Line

The usual cloaking device J.J. Abrams has surrounding his projects is bar none and typically bulletproof. However sometimes even he can't escape inevitable leaks when logistics in marketing necessitate that let proverbial cats out of the bag before he would like to.

That said, with appearances at the 2013 Toy Fair at the Hasbro Showroom in the form of Kre-O figures, I think its safe to assume Scotty could say "Sir, there be Klingons here" when Star Trek Into Darkness opens. Absent for the 2009 big screen reboot of the series, but in the second adventure we will get to see what the iconic warriors look like in the rebooted Star Trek timeline.

On display in the Times Square Hasbro Showroom are several Klingon Kre-O figures as well as a Bird of Prey, Battle Cruiser and a fellow wrecking havoc with Scotty in a transporter playset (inspired from a scene from the film).

While we have been endlessly burning the midnight hour over whether Benedict Cumberbatch is playing Khan or not in the film (and hey, that might be an unnamed Cumberbatch-based figure pictured below dressed in a blue shirt as well), we have sadly forgotten about the other great villains in the Star Trek universe who are rightfully set to return.

Though it should be noted the Klingons were originally intended to appear in Star Trek, and a scene was filmed with Abrams' Alias alum Victor Garber under the heavy helmet torturing Nero (Eric Bana), but it was left on the cutting room floor.

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It's OFFICIAL: Disney & Lucasfilm Confirm J.J. Abrams for 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

Millions of voices cried out over the internet on Thursday afternoon, and not in the bad way that forced Obi Wan Kenobi to take a breather. TheWrap broke the news first and faster than light the reports spread over every inch of cyber space that J.J. Abrams had sealed the deal to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. 

Via StarWars.com, Lucasfilm and Disney have made it official and confirmed that the mastermind behind Lost, Fringe, Alias, Mission: Impossible III and the captain of the rebooted big screen Star Trek series, will indeed take the helm of first film in the planned trilogy sequel to Episode VI: Return of the Jedi targeted for 2015. 

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor," J.J. Abrams said in a press release. "I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

George Lucas had this say about Abrams. "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He's an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands."

Also confirmed as a consultant on the project is Lawrence Kasdan, the screenwriter of The Empire Strikes Back. Empire is not only easily the fans choice as the best film in the Star Wars series, but also widely considered one of the greatest sequels of all time. Also noted is Abrams' production company Bad Robot will produce the film along with Disney and Lucasfilm. So you can forget about seeing the signature 20th Century Fox logo before "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" appears on the screen.

While Abrams is at the helm of the film, keep in mind the screenplay is actually being written by Academy Award Winner Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine) from George Lucas' outlines. Abrams' production company joining the mix solidifies the faith Disney has with him and his vision, and will allow the director that much more creative input into the film across all platforms.

I think we can safely assume this new creative team will have better ideas than to have Jar Jar Binks lead a squadron of covert Ewok mercenaries to the destroy the now in-shambles Galactic Empire's third Death Star.

Here is the press release posted on StarWars.com:

After a bevy of emails and phone calls, the formalities have been wrapped up, and at long last everyone can exhale and properly share the word with an excited Internet. Yes, J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

"It's very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie," said Kennedy. "J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture."

George Lucas went on to say "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller." He's an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands."

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor," J.J. Abrams said. "I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner."

Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year's Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm's preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

SOURCE: StarWars.com

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J.J. Abrams To Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' On Deck To Become The Most Powerful Force In Sci-Fi

If you look forward to your lightsabers served with heavy dose of lens flare, we've got some damn exciting news for you. That Death Star worthy explosion you heard on the internet this afternoon can be traced back to the news that the search for the director of Star Wars: Episode VII appears to be over.

According to multiple sources, J.J. Abrams is now poised to become the most powerful man in science fiction by adding Star Wars to his Geek God resume, apparently because Star Trek, Lost, Fringe, Mission: Impossible, and Alias, just weren't enough.

The Wrap broke the news earlier today that the prolific director, writer and producer had secured the highly sought-after job, citing a source "with knowledge of the production." While The Hollywood Reporter pinpoints Abrams in "late stage talks" for the gig, Deadline has him locked in. "It's a done deal with J.J.," their source says.

The Star Trek helmer, who took himself out of the running whenever asked, was pursued by new Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, who obviously had a big influence in changing his mind. In November, Abrams had this to say about the chance to tackle the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, the first of Disney's three planned sequels to 1983's Episode VI: Return of the Jedi:

"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time. I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more than anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!”

To further add to the unexpected nature of today's news, Abrams told Empire Magazine that he actually turned down the job early on.

"There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan, I wouldn't even want to be involved in the next version of those things. I declined any involvement very early on. I'd rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them."

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm last October and simultaneously announced that Episode VII was targeted for 2015, numerous A-List directors all across Hollywood have been appropriately grilled if they would be up for the task, from Steven Spielberg, Joss Whedon, Jon Faverau, Brad Bird, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino to yes, J.J Abrams. I even asked Peter Jackson at the junket for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey if he was either interested or available. Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) had been gaining the most speed recently in the rumor race to the coveted director's chair, having abruptly dropped out of directing X-Men: Days of Future Past. TheWrap also reports that Ben Affleck, currently riding high on Argo and was high on WB's list for Man of Steel, had nearly made it to finish line.

However, just to put this in perspective:

THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (YET) FROM LUCASFILM ON WHO WILL DIRECT EPISODE VII.

Despite the zillions of rumors that have surfaced in the last few months, the only thing that Lucasfilm has officially confirmed regarding Episode VII (besides that they are actually making the movie) is Academy Award Winning and Toy Story 3 screenwriter Michael Arndt is penning the script.

Yes in interviews Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford have all expressed interest in reprising their iconic roles. And by setting the film AFTER Return of the Jedi, we could (and should) assume there is a place for them to appear in the logical progression of the series' storyline, but there has been virtually nothing confirmed beyond the identity of the screenwriter.

Abrams is currently in the home stretch with his remaining production duties on Star Trek Into Darkness, the sequel to his blockbuster 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, which is set for release on May 17th. He would most likely need to dive right into pre-production on Star Wars, which would hopefully include booking lavish lunches with Hamill, Fisher and Ford.

It also begs the question of whom Abrams may bring to Star Wars from the top notch casts of his previous series'. Alias? Fringe? Lost? Felicity?? Keri Russell appeared in Mission: Impossible 3, and Alias' Rachel Nichols and Victor Garber both found their way into Star Trek.

Though if this all pans out, there is much excitement to be had in anticipating the first picture from the set of Mark Hamill as an elder Jedi Master, lightsaber in hand, being directed by J.J. Abrams...

Story developing, as it will every single day until the film hits theaters...

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Leonard Nimoy Is 'Counting The Days' Until 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Hits Theaters

It's nice to know that every once in a while, if you request an e-mail response from a sci-fi icon, you may very well get an answer. Leonard Nimoy took the time to write back TrekWeb.com after the site asked him to share his thoughts regarding the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness.

From what we have seen so far, J.J. Abrams' sequel to his blockbuster 2009 reboot of the iconic series is sure to again be a hit with old and new fans alike, even without Nimoy making a return appearance as Spock Prime to bridge the old and new timelines. Well, as far as we know, Nimoy will not be involved this time out. But there are numerous things being kept under wraps about the film.

Here is Mr. Nimoy's enthusiastic response to TrekWeb:

"At this moment I have seen only what millions of others have seen of the new film. I have been pleased to hear from my children and grandchildren that they think it looks 'awesome.' I agree. I'm as excited as anyone can be, particularly considering my own history with Star Trek. The casting is so creative and JJ Abrams' skill in storytelling is well established. I'm counting the days to opening. Leonard Nimoy"

A special nine-minute preview of the film has been playing in IMAX 3D with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey since December 14.

Star Trek Into Darkness, directed by J.J. Abrams, is set to hit theaters on May 17, 2013, and stars Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Simon  Pegg (Scotty), Karl Urban (McCoy), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), John Cho (Sulu) and Benedict Cumberbatch (as the yet-to-be-named bad guy).

SOURCE: TrekWeb

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TEASER TRAILER: 'Star Trek Into Darkness'

Two highly anticipated first looks at J.J. Abrams' follow up to his 2009 smash hit reboot of Star Trek have gone viral, a domestic trailer and a Japanese version that contains crucial extra imagery.

As the title assures us (Star Trek Into Darkness), the next outing for the crew of the USS Enterprise appears to be anything but a happy excursion to explore strange new worlds.

Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch joins the cast as a villain whose identity has yet to be revealed. Rampant speculation has ranged from Khan to the Original Series' Gary Mitchell. Though with Cumberbatch wearing a Starfleet uniform and seeing what appears to be an older older federation starship (SS Valiant)  from the water, plot threads from the Mitchell episode, 1966's Where No Man Has Gone Before are clearly present.  In the other hand, Cumberbatch appears to have Khan's genetically enhanced strength and intelligence, and said rising federation starship could be a throwback to the USS Reliant.

But really stands out in the Japanese version is the intentional unmistakable imagery of two hands separated between glass, which takes us straight back to the death of Spock scene in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. So all bets are off which way this film may take us. Though the issue I have mirroring a Wrath of Khan plot in the new rebooted timeline is that the weight of the iconic arc is lost without the setup provided by the Original Series' Space Seed. That classic episode introduced us to Ricardo Montalban as the villain, and set the stage for the over two decades worth of antagonism between Kirk and Khan that culminated on the big screen in 1982.

Also if the plan includes killing off Spock as well, another nod to Khan, in this timeline Kirk and Spock have not known each other as long as they had in the previous movie time frame. Frankly, the two were antagonists for much of the 2009 reboot. So the death of Quinto's Spock would by all accounts not have the same weight as the death of Leonard Nimoy's Spock, with the duo's friendship here being at its beginning.

But who am I to question Abrams and his screenwriters on any of this? I am confident they had all this logistically mapped out to the tee from the get go.

Japanese Trailer with extra footage:

Announcement Trailer:

Official synopsis:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. 

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. 

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. 

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

A special nine-minute preview will be attached IMAX 3D screenings of The Hobbit stating on December 14.

Star Trek Into Darkness, directed by J.J. Abrams, is set to hit theaters on May 17, 2013, and stars Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Simon  Pegg (Scotty), Karl Urban (McCoy), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), John Cho (Sulu) and Benedict Cumberbatch (as the yet-to-be-named bad guy).

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WEEK IN GEEK: Adele's 'Skyfall' Theme • 007 To Host SNL • 'Star Trek' Sequel Preview • 'Die Hard'' & 'American Horror Story' Trailers

Adele is the latest pop star to put her voice to a James Bond theme. Check out the title track video for Skyfall, which was released to coincide with 007's 50th Anniversary this week, plus Daniel Craig hosts Saturday Night Live tonight.

The teaser trailer for Die Hard 5, or as it's officially known as, A Good Day To Die Hard, went viral. Bruce Willis returns as John MacLane, finds himself in Russia this time out, and teaming with his son played by Jai Courtney (Spartacus). The movie is set to hit the big screen on Valentine's Day next year.

J.J. Abrams stopped by Conan on Thursday night to talk up his new NBC show Revolution. Lucky for Star Trek fans, he also brought with him the first official sneak peek from the sequel to his 2009 blockbuster big screen reboot of the series. It wasn't exactly the in-depth look we had hoped for though,“It’s got to be really short,” Abrams told Conan. “It can’t be longer than three frames." And that's all of Star Trek Into Darkness we got to see, per Paramount's strict shroud of secrecy. 

American Horror Story returns for its second season on FX on October 17th. This year the chilling thriller moves from a haunted house of horrors to the 1960's in an insane asylum (hence the addition of the subtitle). Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, and Sarah Paulson will be back, but as different characters. Check out the new preview.

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