Zoë Saldana is the latest actor set to join the bridge crew of the new J.J. Abrams-directed "Star Trek" movie, according to online trade news posted today. She will be playing Uhura.

(Variety claims she has "signed on" for the role, whereas The Hollywood Reporter online says she is in "final negotiations.")

Saldana has appeared in a variety of films and TV shows in the past seven years including the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and the surprise hit "Drumline." In "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks, she played a character who admitted to being a convention-going Trekkie, an airport passport officer named "Torres" (interesting). She was also featured in the short-lived Abrams-produced TV show Six Degrees (2006). Saldana is currently filming the James Cameron sci-fi feature "Avatar," which is scheduled to be in theaters in 2009.

Saldana steps into the shoes of Nichelle Nichols, who originated the part for Gene Roddenberry's show back in 1966. She joins the already-cast Zachary Quinto as Spock and Anton Yelchin as Chekov, with Leonard Nimoy also appearing as the older Spock.

Although the trades go on to report that the Abrams "Star Trek" film will revolve around the crew's early days at Starfleet Academy, STARTREK.COM is unable to confirm any plot details as this time.

Filming is set to commence in November of this year, with the release still slated for Christmas Day 2008.