We have received word that Chris Pine has been confirmed to play the role of James T. Kirk in the new "Star Trek” movie directed by J.J. Abrams.

As previously reported, Pine had been in talks for the coveted iconic role, but had a potential scheduling conflict. Today's confirmation ends speculation on whether the actor would choose "Star Trek” over another film he was offered called "White Jazz,” to be directed by Joe Carnahan and starring George Clooney. Carnahan's own blog dropped strong hints that Pine chose "Trek" over his film, but the details of his signing on to the Trek movie have not been finalized until now.

The 27-year-old Pine is one of Hollywood's hottest young actors right now, gaining prominent attention as Lindsay Lohan's love interest in "Just My Luck" and as a neo-Nazi assassin in Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces." His father, Robert Pine, has played a couple of roles in Star Trek ("Liria," "Tavin") and performed with Michael Dorn on CHiPs.