Back when it was confirmed that J.J. Abrams had landed the directing gig for ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’, many ‘Star Trek’ fans were worried that they were being left high and dry. However, Paramount was quick to say that he will still be involved with the future of their franchises such as ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Star Trek’. There were even talks that the sequel to ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ would be coming in time for the franchise’s 50th anniversary in 2016, which should jive with the director’s schedule in theory. But now, it’s being reported that the third installment of the rebooted series would start filming next year.

While attending a public interview with Zachary Quinto at a recent film festival in Ireland, Buzzhub learned that in addition to Abrams expressing his desire to return behind the camera for the third movie, the ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Heroes’ star and his cast mates were informed by the studio that the next voyage of the USS Enterprise would be sooner rather than later:

“Star Trek 3 should be filming, I suppose, next year. It’s going to be made a lot quicker than the last one. That’s the plan, although nothing is confirmed yet.”

That’s a curious timetable considering Abrams and his family are moving to England soon so that he can start work on the first film in the new, Disney-owned trilogy in a galaxy far, far away. It was assumed that the two ‘Star’ franchises would end up overlapping, but if this is the case, then there might too much overlap for both films to work out. But as Quinto said, nothing is confirmed yet, so it’s a safe bet to assume that 2016 is a more realistic year for Paramount’s next ‘Star Trek’ film.

After that, the new Mr. Spock went on to talk about some of his other projects, which includes a film directed by ‘Big Bang Theory’ star Simon Helberg. That prompted the actor to mention that he wouldn’t mind appearing on the geeky sitcom just as the former Spock, Leonard Nemoy, has done before him:

“My cardboard cutout has already been on it, you know. I had to give my permission for them to use it. I love Simon and I also worked with Johnny [Galecki] on a new film called ‘The Invitation’ [also starring Luke Wilson and Topher Grace]. I have been mentioned two times on it, actually.”

Even if the next ‘Star Trek’ movie doesn’t start production some time next year, it’s good to hear that Zachary Quinto certainly has many options for projects to take up his time. But what do you think the chances are of ‘Star Trek 3’ actually gearing up to be filmed next year? Do you think all parties including director J.J. Abrams will be ready and available? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.