Wait, is that ... ? Could it be ... It is! Spock!

The big surprise of the day?

Leonard Nimoy strolled out on-stage to thunderous applause during the Paramount Pictures panel on the new "Star Trek" film. The film, to be directed and produced by J.J. Abrams, follows the iconic crew members of the USS Enterprise during their early years in Starfleet. Abrams (who admitted to the crowd that he grew up more of a " 'Star Wars' kid than a 'Star Trek' kid") introduced the "young" Spock for the film: Zachary Quinto of "Heroes." The crowd clearly approved.

Then Abrams playfully told the audience he had another casting revelation: "We have more than one Spock." Then he brought out Nimoy (whom the filmmaker repeatedly referred to with a deferential "Mr. Nimoy").

Apparently the film will have a framing device with the older Spock. Nimoy told the crowd the movie has a "fantastic" script and a "great director." He added: "People keep asking me why I'm doing this movie. The answer is, well, it was logical."

Photo: Sheigh Crabtree  LAT

--Geoff Boucher

Comments

[Guy B. Jones]

Quinto should be great in the role. He definitely has an intense presence, at least as far as his "Heroes" role is concerned.

[Sheryl]

Well...I wasn't going to see this "reboot" movie, but if Mr. Nimoy's willing to put his stamp of approval on it, then I'll give it a shot.

[Comicguru]

Amano is going to be at Comic-con this month, his new book Mateki: The Magic Flute is definitely worthwhile to check out. The artwork in the book is really impressive.