Looks like the Enterprise is finally about to leave Spacedock. TrekMovie has posted an update on the long-awaited sequel to 2009's Star Trek, claiming that filming will officially begin on January 15, 2012.
Pre-production has been in the works for the past few months, with the writing team of Roberto Orci, Alexc Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof currently working on the third draft of the script to fit the budget that studio Paramount has allowed. There are no details on the sequel's plot yet, although it supposedly is bigger in scope than the previous film.
Special effects company ILM has already started on some of the effects shots, while construction has begun on some of the new sets. Some sets from the 2009 film, such as the Enterprise bridge, have been in storage and will be re-used for the sequel.
A team is currently out scouting locations, with director J.J. Abrams reportedly traveling to Hawaii for one location under consideration as "a jungle planet." In addition, a Los Angeles museum will stand in for "a famous Star Trek location." Based on what happened in the previous film, I'm guessing it's not going to be Mount Seleya.
All of the main cast are returning for the sequel, although it is not yet known if Bruce Greenwood will be returning as Admiral Christopher Pike. Actor Benicio Del Toro was reported by Variety to be under consideration for the film's unrevealed villain. If this happens, I'm personally hoping he'll be the new Kang.