Abrams set for next Star Trek film

Mission Impossible III director JJ Abrams has signed on to direct the next instalment of the Star Trek feature franchise after months of speculation.

Star Trek XI will focus on a young James T Kirk and Mr Spock and chronicles their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and their first mission in space.

Sources tell the Hollywood Reporter Abrams finalised the deal late last month.

Abrams has been developing the project through his Paramount Pictures-based production company as a producer and writer, before deciding to also sign on as the director.