TrekMovie has word that the official start date for production on the Star Trek sequel is January 15th, 2012, which they point out is over 4 years since the first film began shooting in 2007.
The site also notes that co-writer/producer Roberto Orci confirmed the script has “been done for a while” and they’re currently working on the third draft. Orci commented on the site saying “rewriting is a good thing which normally makes the script better. We like to keep pushing the script, even if no one gives us notes.”
Most of the sets from the first film are being taken out of storage (such as the USS Enterprise) and VFX house Industrial Light & Magic has already started work on some of the effects shots for the movie. As there will be plenty of space shots they can begin working on them now without any cast or shot footage.
Finally, TrekMovie suggests Hawaii could be a shooting location for the film (J.J Abrams shot Lost there) as the location team are looking for a “jungle planet” environment.
Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin and John Cho are all expected to return, and while he isn’t confirmed, Benicio Del Toro could take on the villain role.
