The next motion picture of the Star Trek franchise, tentatively titled "Star Trek XI," will begin filming this fall for theatrical release on Christmas Day 2008.

The official announcement was made today by Paramount Pictures. Last Friday J.J. Abrams, already announced as producer of the project, finalized a deal to also direct the movie (related story). The screenplay, which reportedly will be a prequel revolving around a young James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, has been written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who previously collaborated with Abrams on "Mission Impossible III." Kurtzman and Orci will executive produce with Bryan Burk, and Abrams will produce along with Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof.

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

Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, 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 verbatim press release from Paramount Pictures appears on Page 2.