Star Trek Sequel Beams Up a Release Date

Trekkers start the countdown to June 29, 2012, after Paramount confirms premiere date for second installment of blockbuster franchise

Dammit, Jim, we're reading a studio announcement, not looking into a crystal ball.

Which is why just about the only thing we know about the Star Trek sequel—other than the fact that it's definitely happening—is that it's finally landed a release date.

Paramount has selected the star date of June 29, 2012, to unleash the second installment of its blockbuster franchise on a nation of eager Trekkers.

Everything else, though, is anyone's guess.

All the principals—including the dynamic duo of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, and requisite eye candy Zoe Saldana—are expected back, but there's no word on other casting, including who will play the baddie. And if it's the movie's title you're looking for, keep looking.

Which isn't to say we don't know some things...

J.J. Abrams, who bravely directed the crew of the Starship Enterprise to box office—and, as it happens, awards show—glory last summer, says he wants back for round two, but has not officially been signed on to helm. However, he will at least be back as a producer, while regular partner and Lost show runner Damon Lindelof, along with Star Trek penners Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, will be pitching in on the sequel's writing duties.

The summer of 2012 is getting more crowded by the minute. Along with Trek, the curious re-reboot of Spider-Man, The Avengers and, in all likelihood, the Wolverine sequel are all slated for release.

And there may be room for one more. Paramount also confirmed today, to much less fanfare, that it has greenlighted a sequel to its effects-heavy, disappointment-full G.I. Joe.

No release date has yet been set.