STAR TREK 2 BEGINS FILMING IN JANUARY

Star Trek 2 has begun final script phases, and is even scouting locations, in preparation for it’s just-announced January production start. This information comes to us through Trekmovie and Comingsoon.net. Check out the awesome details below:

On when filming starts for the sequel:

“TrekMovie has learned from trusted sources that the official start date for production on the Star Trek sequel is January 15th, 2012. This is over four years and two months after the start of production for the 2009 Star Trek movie (which began shooting on November 7th, 2007).

On Star Trek 2 pre-production status:

“Much of the design work for the film has been completed, with the team again headed by Scott Chambliss as production designer. And construction has already started for some of the new sets. Many sets and location set dressing elements from the 2009 film (such as the USS Enterprise) have been in storage and will be re-used for the sequel. In addition, ILM has already started work on some of the effects shots for the movie. While effects work is often considered part of post-production, there are many space effects shots which can be made without the need of any filmed elements.”

On the location scouting:

“TrekMovie has learned that Abrams himself traveled to Hawaii to scout a location which is being seriously considered for a “jungle planet.” Shooting will also include a museum in Los Angeles standing in for what a source said was a “famous Star Trek location.” As per usual with a Star Trek film, studio shooting will take place on a number of stages on the Paramount lot.”

On the current status of the script:

“Sources tell TrekMovie that the writing team of Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof are currently working on a draft to ensure the film fits into the budget the Paramount has set. The studio is said to be “very enthusiastic” about the project and very supportive of producer/director Abrams and his core team.”

J.J. Abrams seems to love some Hawaii. I was always a Star Wars kid and considered Trek to be second rate entertainment, but after the 2009 film I find myself getting more excited about this than anything from a a far, far away. Benicio Del Toro is going to be the villain, the only question is whether he is a new character or a familiar name…KHAAAAN???