Anton Yelchin's character Chekov will not be recast in the next 'Star Trek' production.

The 50-year-old producer of the popular sci-fi sequel has revealed the role of Ensign Pavel played by the late actor - who died last month after being trapped by his own car in an accident occurring on the driveway of his Los Angeles home aged 27 - will not return as a mark of respect for the star.

Abrams said: ''There's no replacing him. There's no recasting. I can't possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.''

However, plans to out the character from the Enterprise team have not been confirmed, although there are talks Chekov may be given one last appearance and feature in an on screen death.

He added: ''I have thought about it, we're working on it, and it's too early to talk about it.''

But Yelchin is set to make his final appearance as the USS Enterprise navigator in new movie 'Star Trek Beyond'.

Meanwhile, the American director has confirmed the 32-year-old Australian hunk will return to play George Kirk - the father of Chris Pine's Captain James T. Kirk - for 'Star Trek 4' despite being killed off in the film's reboot in 2009.

'Star Trek Beyond' also stars Simon Pegg - who co-wrote the production - Idris Elba, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Karl Urban and will hti the big screens on Friday (22.07.16).