Space, The Final(ly) Frontier

After all of that hemming and hawing, back and forth, he's doing it/no he's not--It's official via The Hollywood Reporter-- JJ Abrams is indeed directing Star Trek XI.

Trek Reboot Out Of Drydock And Finally Ready To Warp Ahead

Stax of IGN posted this blurb a few days ago:

J.J. Abrams will direct Star Trek XI after all. The film and TV powerhouse was always going to produce Paramount's reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise but the rumor mill had gone into overdrive recently about whether or not he was going to helm the picture as well...

Abrams deal to direct the film was reportedly finalized Friday evening.

The trade adds that Trek XI "revolves around a young James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, chronicling their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and their first space mission."

In addition to creating the TV series Lost, Alias and Felicity, Abrams also directed last summer's Mission: Impossible III for Paramount.

IGN recently heard that, in addition to Star Trek XI, Abrams was going to help bring Stephen King's opus The Dark Tower to the screen [confirmed by King himself].

I have a feeling the delay in Abrams taking the center seat on the film, had more to do with $$, than anything else...Whatever the case--I hope this is the end of the Trek XI director saga.