Zachary Quinto to Play Spock in 2008

It's (hopefully) no great secret that JJ Abrams, Brian Burk and crew are producing a Star Trek XI prequel film in 2008. What was just announced this weekend at the 2007 Comic-Con event in San Diego was that Zachary Quinto (who plays Sylar on Heroes) will be playing the part of the young Dr. Spock. Also announced was that Leonard Nimoy will also play the role of an older Spock in the film.

JJ Abrams is still looking for the actor who will play the young Captain James T. Kirk, however they seem completely up in the air on that particular detail. IN addition, William Shatner has confirmed that JJ Abrams contacted him about playing a part in the movie, however neither could figure out how to make the details work out such that it didn't seem forced or detract from what is apparently a very good script. Rumors have included Matt Damon, among others, however he might be getting too old to pass for a 25-year-old Federation Captain-to-be.

Originally, JJ Abrams was slated to only Produce the movie, however after reading the script he decided the film was potentially too good and wanted a more proactive role in its production.

JJ Abrams is currently working on wrapping up his other big secret film, codenamed Cloverfield - a super-secret (rumor-filled) monster movie with very few details and an even more cryptic trailer.

Check out the Comic-Con video here.