Now those lens flares are gonna be in your face.
It was as early as this past January when Paramount began asking/hinting J.J. Abrams that they would like the "Star Trek" sequel — which he hadn't even committed to directing yet — to be in 3D. At the time, he was very much against the idea saying,"I have nothing against 3-D in theory. But I've also never run to the movies because something's in 3-D. [As for Trek], as soon as I read the script, if it says, 'Somebody pushes a weapon toward the camera in a menacing way,' and we think, 'That'd be better in 3-D!'… I dunno." He also added that this trademark whip pans are very hard to do in the format, and was wary of making a movie where things that look great flying at your face in a movie theater look totally bizarre when viewed in 2D at home. Well, it appears he's come around on that point.
Deadline reports that the untitled "Star Trek" sequel will be in 3D (and we presume the wary Abrams will be shooting in the format instead of going for a post-conversion job), and that the movie will now hit theaters on May 17, 2013 — the same date Sony just announced for "Pixels" which we presume they'll eventually have to move out of the way. Of course, any and all other details are under wraps but the the cast you know and love will be back, with early talks under way for Benicio Del Toro to play the villain. Also, Michael Giacchino, Abrams' longtime composer for all of his films so far, has confirmed he will be back for this picture as well.
The movie now arrives nearly a full year later than the originally slated June 29, 2012 date the studio was gunning for. But when Abrams signed on this summer, he swore he was not going to be rushed into a pre-set release date, and he won that round. And it looks like the studio won the 3D battle on their end. However, as Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" proves, which is some of the best 3D we've seen to date, the format can be used in a way that is immersive and not simply as pop-out novelty. And Abrams is certainly the kind of guy who will bring a unique perspective and approach, so we're definitely curious to see what he can cook up.
Filming on "Star Trek 2" kicks off in 2012.