J. J Abrams Has NOT Signed On To Direct A Star Trek Film

Repeat: J. J Abrams has NOT signed on to direct the next Star Trek film.

Well, at least that's what he's saying to Empire Online.

Abrams tells us that he has signed on to produce the film but also that he simply has an option to direct. I think there's a good chance he will eventually direct the film - nothing like resurrecting a sagging franchise to boost one's ego - but nothing has been signed yet.

He also tries to pretend that the film won't tell a Kirk and Spock prequel story without actually ever denying it. Because it will. Because the Geekosphere will demand it.

Star Trek 11: The Kirk and Spock Prequel, directed by J. J Abrams, will most likely launch sometime in 2008. Until then? Hype, conjecture and gossip - both here at film ick and elsewhere.