Star Trek 2 Begins Filming After Delays

It’s certainly taken a while.

When the “Star Trek” reboot became a somewhat unexpected hit, both critically and commercially, everyone thought a sequel would’ve been fast-tracked into production. Originally, the follow-up was intended to hit the big screens this year. Somewhere along the way, things fell apart, with the filmmakers and producers unable to find the right script. Or rather, doing re-write after re-write. Then, director JJ Abrams got caught up in other projects, like directing “Super 8″ and producing the 4th “Mission: Impossible”. Those projects were already lined up way beforehand, but the delays in Trek’s production meant Abrams had to proceed with other stuff, which he did.

Late last year, a flurry of activity finally happened for “Star Trek 2″ (tentative title). Casting bits and bobs took place, the best of which — to me, anyway — was Peter Weller (“RoboCop”) getting a role. Today, Paramount Pictures made a big announcement. Sorta. Filming has finally started. Here’s the press statement from the studio…

“Paramount Pictures announced that principal photography has commenced in Los Angeles, CA on the sequel to Star Trek from director J.J. Abrams. The film will be released on May 17, 2013 in 3D. The 2009 re-launch of the “Star Trek” franchise by Abrams was met with critical acclaim and a worldwide gross of over $385 million at the box office.

Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions present a Bad Robot Production of a J.J. Abrams Film. Returning to their posts on the Enterprise are John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and Anton Yelchin. They are joined by new cast members Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve and Peter Weller.

Based upon “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry, the film is produced by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The script was written by Alex Kurtzman & Robert Orci & Damon Lindelof.

Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers. The director of photography is Dan Mindel, ASC, BSC. The production designer is Scott Chambliss. The film is edited by Maryann Brandon, A.C.E. and Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E. The costume designer is Michael Kaplan. The music is by Michael Giacchino.”