Boldly Going ...

J.J. Abrams' big screen reboot of the Star Trek franchise is getting more cast members ... and more interesting.

It has taken awhile, though. Back at Comic-Con, Zachary Quinto (Heroes) was confirmed as the new Spock, and Leonard Nimoy was also attached to the project. Soon after, Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) was cast as Chekov (originally played by Walter Koenig). Then ... nothing. That is, until last month's announcement that Zoe Saldana (Guess Who) would take over the com from Nichelle Nichols as Uhura.

Now, the casting is really shaping up. On the heels of Aussie hunk Eric Bana netting the villain role (name: "Nero" ... does he fiddle?) comes news that Simon Pegg (Shaun of Shaun of the Dead) and John Cho (Harold of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle) have landed the roles of chief engineer Scott and helmsman Sulu, respectively, the parts originally played by James Doohan and George Takei, (even more) respectively.

I have to say, Pegg is an inspired choice. He's English (which actually puts him closer to Scottish then Doohan, who was Canadian), but he should be able to pull off the accent or, well, he wouldn't have been cast. And he'll certainly be able to handle the humor the role requires. I'm just trying to imagine him with black hair ...

Of course, that leaves two huge roles left to fill: Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy. Chris Pine is the name currently circling through the rumor mill for the good captain. Recently, Pine has appeared in Smokin' Aces and Just My Luck, but I remember him as Anne Hathaway's dreamy prince in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Considering that Bana is the only real "name" in the cast, I have a feeling that the part of "Bones" will go to a more well known, seasoned actor. Gary Sinese has been mentioned, but that may be wishful thinking by the same people who actually think Reese Witherspoon would play Nurse Chapel.

Links via Imdb.com, Variety.com, MTV.com, UK.Reuters.com and HollywoodReporter.com.