Tracking Trek XI

Paul Davidson of IGN Filmforce, offers the latest round-up of internet interviews concerning the latest Star Trek film, powered by JJ Abrams and his pals:

Bryan Burk, executive producer of Lost, confirmed to Sci Fi Wire that he too is part of the team developing Trek XI, along with Lost co-creators Damon Lindelof and J.J. Abrams.

Burk played down the rumors that the upcoming Star Trek prequel would involve a young Kirk and Spock at Starfleet; the production team is not sharing any story information at this point. "I can tell you that [the film announcement] leaked out prematurely, so there's no formal statement made from any of us, other than we all couldn't be more excited about it."

"We actually have this thing where we're just not talking about it outside of [our team] right now. And to say I'm excited is the understatement of the [year]."

Although Patrick Stewart had his share of involvement in Trek XI rumors prior to the prequel announcement, the actor acknowledges it's unlikely that he'll play any part in another Star Trek film. He explained the situation to Coming Soon:

"The whole creative and business side of [Paramount] has undergone a huge transformation and apparently, Abrams is a huge fan of Star Trek— the original one and The Next Generation. [However,] I have not heard one mention that this would in any way involve The Next Generation, so I think it would be unlikely."

Involved or not, Stewart will maintain an interest in how the film turns out, as he explained to IGN FilmForce in a recent interview.

"I would just watch that space with interest. Whether it involves me or any of the Next Generation cast, who knows? But it's interesting for me to hear that there is strong enthusiasm at the studio in going down that path one more time."

Frankly, at this point, all I really want out of Trek XI is a good story. Once that's in place, the rest of it is just a matter of logistics, and casting.