Film News: J.J. Abrams Signs Up to Direct ‘Star Trek 2’

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CHICAGO- J.J. Abrams, one of the biggest growing names in Hollywood, has signed on to direct “Star Trek 2” according to Entertainment Weekly. Abrams, who directed the 2009 “Star Trek,” brought in $385 million worldwide at the box office with the reboot of the Sci-Fi film series.

Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto (who played Kirk and Spock in the reboot) are signed on again for the untitled sequel. The writers for the 2009 “Star Trek,” Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, are again penning the screenplay for Abrams’ film and Damon Lindelof will once again be producing. The film was originally scheduled for a June 2012 release, but that has been pushed back to give the writers ample time to create an entertaining and loyal screenplay.

Abrams has become a prominent figure behind the camera as director and producer of many substantial films and television series. Abrams was the executive producer behind the hit ABC series “Lost” as well as the TV series “Felicity” “Alias” and “Fringe” (seems he is also a fan of the one-word titled TV shows). He made his feature film directorial debut in 2006 with “Mission Impossible III” and went on to direct the previously mentioned “Star Trek” as well as this past summer’s alien encounter “Super 8.”

Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot, has also been responsible for the films “Joy Ride” “Cloverfield” and “Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” which is due in theaters this December 21. Along with the news that Abrams is directing the next “Star Trek” he is also signed on to produce a “Cloverfield” sequel.

There is no word on when the exact release date will be for the Sci-Fi sequel, but the news that Abrams has signed on again means the new film could be worth the wait.

By TIM MARTENS Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com tim@hollywoodchicago.com