Star Trek 2 Starts Production; Benedict Cumberbatch, Bruce Greenwood, and Damon Lindelof Discuss the Sequel
Posted 01.18.12 by Ryan
Last week, Paramount Pictures revealed the start of production on the highly anticipated sequel Star Trek 2 in a spoiler-free announcement. Even the roles of the new cast members are being kept tightly under wraps. According to Peter Weller's agent, the actor is playing "a C.E.O." though Alice Eve's role is unspecified. Benedict Cumberbatch was added to the cast earlier this month in what is reportedly the role of a villain, though when J.J. Abrams was recently asked whether Cumberbatch was the sequel's villain, he replied: "Who said he's our villain?"
When Cumberbatch spoke to MTV at the Golden Globes, the British actor said he may not be playing a villain after all.
I don't think we do know that [his character is a villain], actually. That's just supposition. And that's all I'm going to say about it.
While Cumberbatch could just be playing coy, it doesn't look like confirmation on his role is arriving any time soon. Whoever is playing the villain, producer Bryan Burk has revealed that the role will be "original and unique".
Meanwhile,The LA Times reports that the Enterprise crew reported last week at the Sony lot for costume fittings, and Bruce Greenwood, who will reprise his role as Captain Pike, expressed his excitement about returning for Star Trek 2.
I loved the first one and I loved making it too. Usually when you work on a job and you love the experience, it's rare that the film matches the experience. You get one or the other but this was one of the few where it was all there. It was just great. I was talking to Anton [Yelchin] the other day and he was saying that they all got together on the bridge a few weeks ago and it was just like no time had passed at all. None. I had dinner with Chris a few months ago and he said he couldn't wait to get back with the gang of people that makes this work. The same with me. They're wonderful people and the show is like the icing. What's great is the family. I know it's an overused term and people roll their eyes but it really feels that way to me.
Star Trek 2 was written by screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof. Once production began, Lindelof emailed the Times and admitted that he hopes "we don't screw it up".
I have had the good fortune to once again step upon the Enterprise bridge, surrounded by the primary colors worn by, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest casts ever assembled. Every single person involved with this movie has the same ambition — to do everything they can to justify the long wait... to live up to the lofty expectations of 40-year Trek fans and those who are coming to the party for the first time. The energy is crackling. The warp core is primed. And we are, at long last, ready to boldly go once again. I hope to God we don’t screw it up.
Star Trek 2 will open in 3-D on May 17, 2013. Additional new cast members include
Noel Clarke (BBC's Dr. Who series) and Nazneen Contractor (24).