After I go off on how silly Internet rumors are a good one hits the scene as IGN has scored what seems to be not only reliable but very credible word on who just might be playing Captain Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy and Scotty in the upcoming Star Trek XI being directed by J.J. Abrams.
After all the speculation on Abrams’ involvement today is certainly “confirmation day” as I have received no less than five copies of the same press release stating that Abrams is officially directing Star Trek XI and just how happy everyone over at Paramount is. The release tells us the film will begin shooting this fall for a Christmas Day 2008 release.
Abrams was quoted saying, “If there’s something I’m dying to see, it’s the brilliance and optimism of Roddenberry’s world brought back to the big screen. Alex and Bob wrote an amazing script that embraces and respects Trek canon, but charts its own course. Our goal is to make a picture for everyone — life-long fans and the uninitiated. Needless to say, I am honored and excited to be part of this next chapter of Star Trek.”
The Alex and Bob he refers to are Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci who penned the script which will revolve around a young James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, chronicling their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and their first space mission. This is where IGN comes in.
First off the rumor that Matt Damon will play Captain Kirk is not going away and now IGN is saying he is indeed in talks with Paramount about playing the role of Jim Kirk. I don’t remember any other names circling around the Kirk role and it seems all Damon has to say is “yes” and he is in, but who will join him?
Well, for Spock, Kirk’s Vulcan science officer, IGN reports Oscar winner Adrien Brody is in talks with Paramount to play the role. Out of all the roles in the film this one has to be the hardest to cast since Spock was such a unique character and Leonard Nimoy brought so much to the character duplicating it or living up to Nimoy’s performance will be rough. Then again, casting a Best Actor winner in the role doesn’t hurt.
Next we come to Dr. McCoy, the Enterprise’s doc on staff. Word is that Oscar nominee Gary Sinise is up for the part. Sinise would be taking on the role once played by the late DeForrest Kelley.
Finally, Narnia and Last King of Scotland Scottish thesp James McAvoy is in talks to play engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott and “Lost” star Daniel Dae Kim is rumored to being looked at for the role of Sulu.
Look at the pics above closely and you decide if Abrams is on the right track. Personally I think Kirk and Spock are tough to cast, but Sinise seems perfect for McCoy.
