Writers Talk 'Star Trek 2' Villains and Setting

"Star Trek" anticipation is high right now since Paramount recently set a release date of June 29, 2012 for the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ reboot. Luckily "Star Trek 2" writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman sat down with The Geek Files and gave another update with a hint of the various directions they might take the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise and the villains they may encounter.

On the setting for the story, Orci explained: "We would never do a remake....it will be some time in the five-year mission. But that is a question. Should we pick them up immediately the next day or should it be later, we are still discussing that."

So while speculation of immediately following "Star Trek" with a return to "The Wrath of Kahn" seemed like a logical conclusion, the writers don't sound too eager to remake any of the original films. But they know that they're going to need to tread the same path that Kahn did as far as providing a worthy adversary for Kirk and his crew.

"I think our idea on this is that the first of any series is about them coming together or the formation," Kurtzman said. "I couldn't really tell you what Jeff Bridges was doing in 'Iron Man,' but it doesn't matter at all because it is all about Iron Man becoming Iron Man.

"Whereas I think sequels are very much about the villain. Because while [in the first one] the villain serves to bring the crew together, the second one I think has to be a true challenging of what that family is about. That is why 'Wrath of Khan' was so amazing. Khan tested each one of them and ultimately asked for the ultimately sacrifice, and that is why that movie held up so well."

Both writers agree there is much more pressure to deliver this time round and that just because they have a successful beginning under their belt doesn't mean they can breathe a sigh of relief.

"Frankly I feel more pressure because we were so confident when we came up with the idea of how to bridge canon, and yet free ourselves from canon," Orci said. "Now we have no excuses for anything, now we are free. Now we don't have the benefit of low expectations."

In fact, these expectations are nothing short of massive, and it'll take a lot to follow up the equally massive success of the first one. But it sounds like Kurtzman/Orci are up to the task.

As for dream projects, Kurtzman said: "I would like to take a run at 'Indiana Jones,' but that is a pretty closed door, so not sure that is ever going to happen." Orci joked that they would like to remake 'Star Wars.'

Who or what do you want to see taking on The Enterprise in "Star Trek 2"?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, Screen Rant, First Showing