Updates on the next Star Trek film have thus far been limited to Paramount boldly going forward with a June 29, 2012 release date, despite the current status of the script being vague (although according to Roberto Orci, who’s working on it with both Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof, a 70-page outline exists) and director J.J. Abrams not officially committed to directing it. However, Abrams has now confirmed that his next priority (after Super 8 is signed, sealed, and delivered) will be the next Star Trek film—unless it’s not. For what it’s worth, Abrams did call it “the next thing we’re working on,” and said he hoped to be able to “pass information out sooner or later,” but he also pointedly shied away from committing to Paramount’s schedule: “I care much more that it be good than it be ready,” he said. “I’m, obviously doing everything I can to make sure that schedules don’t get screwed up. But I don’t think anyone wants a movie on time that’s not worth your time.”
Radical thinking like that rarely goes over well within the studio system, but Deadline seems to think that Paramount may accommodate him by pushing Star Trek 2 off to the holiday season. Whatever further delays may occur, Abrams did, however, offer reassurance that they would have nothing to do with his making the film in 3-D—although he also cautioned, “I’m not yet considering it, but you know, I haven’t gotten any phone call from people in suits.” We imagine that would go like this:
J.J. ABRAMS: Hello?
PARAMOUNT EXECUTIVES: J.J., we’d like you to consider filming Star Trek in 3-D.
J.J. ABRAMS: Gee, I don’t know, fellas.
PARAMOUNT EXECUTIVES: Need I remind you that WE ARE WEARING SUITS?
And so on.