STAR TREK 2 pre-production, J.J. Abrams' involvement and Romulans

We have an update for you on Star Trek 2. Last year we reported that Paramount Pictures had set a release date for Star Trek 2 for June 29th 2012. Other films that have a 2012 release date have already begun filming (The Dark Knight Rises) or will be soon. Roberto Orci, co-screenwriter/producer, revealed earlier that a screenplay had not been finished, and new reports indicate it still has not been either. Production is moving forward, Paramount has set financing for pre-production even though a director is not officially involved yet.

Orci revealed to TrekMovie that a 70-page outline for the sequel is complete. The outline has allowed for progress to be made while J.J. Abrams wrapped up Super 8 post-production. Production on the sequel is still expected to start in the fall, but may be delayed from it's initial June 2012 release date. 

Here is what Orci had to say:

“Just been waiting for J.J. [Abrams] to be free to really decide if he likes the story and hear his suggestions before we finish our script. Once he says go, we’ll have it in no time…”

Even though Abrams has been busy, he's still been involved:

In the meetings we’ve had with JJ, he’s already given us amazing input and ideas, and that’s been while he’s been up to his eyeballs in Super 8.

If Abrams likes the script he may very well return. It's been reported as being “hopeful” that Abrams will return to direct Star Trek 2. The film may end up having to push back it's release date by several months, so as not to rush production. I am completely fine with that if it means audiences are given a better film.

One of the big questions is whether Romulans will be in the sequel. During a recent interview with Empire, Zoe Saldana spoke a bit about Uhura's potential character arc.

“I can tell you for what I’d like to see happen [which is] for Spock and see Uhura to really hook up [in 'Star Trek 2'] and for Uhura to kick some Romulan butt.”

Check out the video for yourself below:

What are your thoughts on this update? Are you excited for this sequel?