The much-discussed prequel to the original 'Star Trek' series will premiere on December 25, 2008, according to PR Newswire. As Firefox News reported over the weekend, J.J. Abrams has officially announced he will direct the film, the eleventh (note odd number^*) in the mega-successful Paramount-owned franchise. Joining him on the cruise are Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who wrote the screenplay, and Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof, who will produce.

"If there's something I'm dying to see, it's the brilliance and optimism of Roddenberry's world brought back to the big screen," Abrams said.

"Alex and Bob wrote an amazing script that embraces and respects Trek canon, but charts its own course. Our goal is to make a picture for everyone -- life-long fans and the uninitiated. Needless to say, I am honored and excited to be part of this next chapter of Star Trek."

Chairman and CEO Paramount Pictures Brad Grey said, "We could not be more thrilled to be back in business with J.J. Abrams. The revival of the 'Star Trek' franchise is an important part of Paramount's turnaround."

The as-yet-untitled film focuses on the first meeting of James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock at Starfleet Academy.

^{* For those who came in late, there is a long-standing rule among Star Trek fans: "Even-numbered Trek films don't suck."}