The production of "Star Trek 3" will start soon. Simon Pegg recently revealed to Radio Times that the screenplay he was working on with Doug Jung has just been completed, a month before the highly-anticipated intergalactic adventure film starts shooting.
"We started again six months before we were due to start shooting, which is insane! In fact, we start shooting in Vancouver in four weeks — and we're only handing in our first draft today," Pegg revealed, adding that they had to cut the screenplay from 180 pages to 135.
It is important to note, though, that Radio Times did not reveal when the interview occurred or when Pegg dropped the statements. Indie Wire believes that it is likely around two weeks ago, which was the same time Pegg talked about geek culture with the same outlet.
Needless to say, fans of the legendary franchise are concerned that beating the deadline could mean that the writers had to rush their work on the piece. Should there be revisions, one month may put a strain on Pegg and Jung and keep them from creating a stellar screenplay for "Star Trek 3."
But Screen Rant says that although Pegg referred to it as the "first draft," which means it may be subject to changes before Paramount gives the green light, it is safe to assume that he and Jung made sure that the screenplay is close to the final draft.
As for the persistent rumors pointing to a Captain Kirk cameo in "Star Trek 3," actor William Shatner himself answered the rumors during an interview with Digital Spy. He believes that his character will only show up if the narrative calls for it.
"It's always all about whether the story's right. It's pointless crowbarring these things in as a gimmick, because that does the story and the film a disservice. But I have no doubt in my mind that he could play Captain Kirk until the day he decides to goes off to the final frontier," Shatner said.
The 84-year-old actor added that it is "important" to him that the film "will be as much Star Trek as it possibly can be" and whether that takes a Captain Kirk cameo or not is up to Pegg.
"Star Trek 3" is schedule to be released on July 8, 2016.
