The Space Race

Coming off of the news that JJ Abrams is going to direct Star Trek XI, .Stax of IGN has casting rumors concerning which actors are in line to play Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the film. Often called the Big Three, these three characters represent the foundation on which the entire Trek franchise was built upon and then flourished. And no, I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say those words....

...Confirming rumors that have been making the rounds for some months now, IGN has learned that Oscar winner Matt Damon is indeed in talks with Paramount about playing the role of Jim Kirk, previously immortalized onscreen by Emmy winner William Shatner.

Damon brings star power and an acting pedigree to the role that should convince audiences that this is a serious reboot of the beloved franchise.

Damon

For the part of Kirk's Vulcan first officer Mr. Spock, IGN has been told that none other than Oscar winner Adrien Brody (King Kong, The Pianist) is in talks with Paramount to play the role. If cast, Brody would succeed in a role that forever marked Leonard Nimoy's career. But with a Best Actor award already under his belt and an eclectic mix of films on his resume, Brody wouldn't have as much to lose by taking on the iconic role as Nimoy had.

Brody

IGN has also been told that Oscar nominee Gary Sinise -- currently seen on the small screen in CSI: NY -- is in talks for the role of Dr. McCoy, the ornery and politically incorrect ship's physician aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. McCoy's prickly relationship with Spock was the basis of much of the humor and humanity of the original 1960s series. The late DeForest Kelley played "Bones" on TV.

Sinise

The Trek XI Casting Scoop Continues...

Assuming the carsting rumors turn out to be true about the trio...

As my regular readers know. I suggested Damon play Kirk before the rumors started to surface..I hope he takes the job...

Despite Brody's resume, and his angular face, I'm not convinced he can play Spock. If I were in charge of casting, I would actually put Jeff Quinn in the role. He portrays Spock for the Internet fan film series Star Trek New Voyages and does a wonderful job in the part--capturing Nimoy's nuances as the Vulcan to a tee..

I think Sinise makes a solid choice for McCoy. I can totally see him in the role...

LATE BREAKING NEWS:

Paramount Pictures officially announces a release date for the film: Christmas Day 2008! Filming begins this fall.

Boy things are moving at warp speed now aren't they?