STAR TREK - SALDANA EXPECTED TO TAKE UHURA ROLE

SALDANA EXPECTED TO TAKE UHURA ROLE

Zoe Saldana is tipped to take the role of Lieutenant Uhura in the latest Star Trek movie.

The Drumline and Pirates of the Caribbean star is reportedly in final negotiations about her role in the film, which is reportedly a prequel to the original 1960s series.

She will play the role originally filled by Nichelle Nichols, whose portrayal of the USS Enterprise's chief communications officer contributed to the show's iconic status.

Original cast member Leonard Nimoy, who famously played the big-eared Spock, will have a cameo role in the film and has expressed his excitement about the project.

He will be able to provide a helping hand on set to Zachary Quinto, who will be playing the younger version of his old character.

Meanwhile Anton Yelchin will play Russian navigator Pavel Chekov, following in the footsteps of Walter Koenig.

Star Trek fans face a lengthy wait before the release of the currently unnamed movie, which is due on Christmas Day 2008. Perhaps they could pass the time by watching the original ten films and seven series of creator Gene Roddenberry's fictional universe.