In typical J.J. Abrams fashion, the director of "Star Trek Into Darkness" has kept the upcoming sequel under wraps. However, "Trek" fans will get a chance to get an early peek at the film around Christmas, as Paramount will debut the first footage with screenings of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" on December 14th.
Taking a page out of Christopher Nolan's playbook for "The Dark Knight," IMAX screenings will specifically feature a nine minute preview of the film's prologue sequence for audiences to soak in. This preview won't be nearly as exclusive as that one, though, as it will be distributed to 500 IMAX locations across the country.
On the other hand, traditional, non-IMAX "Hobbit" screenings will only feature the film's first trailer, which is said to be "a legitimate theatrical trailer and not just a short teaser." Furthermore, the trailer will incorporate footage from throughout the film instead of simply cobbling together footage from the prologue.
Trek fans who want to get the full picture will have to pay for both formats, as both the prologue and the trailer will be exclusive to each screening.
Unless Paramount ramps up marketing between now and next month, this will likely represent the first official look at the sequel. Some spy photos have emerged in recent months, and much of the cast and crew have discussed the film, but it mostly remains shrouded in mystery (maybe they're taking the trek into darkness a little too literally).
At this point, the film's villain hasn't even been revealed. Benedict Cumberbatch is in the role, which has been rumored to be Gary Mitchell and Khan, two of the franchise's more memorable characters. Alice Eve and Peter Weller have also joined the cast in undisclosed roles.
"Star Trek into Darkness" is due for release on May 17th next year.
