A version of this story appears in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ explores bigger action, bold character developments The sequel to J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Trek” reboot has kept fans guessing about possible secret identities for its villain, played by Benedict Cumberbatch.

IMAX theaters are reporting sell-outs of its special “Star Trek into Darkness” sneak peek shows on Wednesday, May 15, with showings in Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Austin, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego and Minneapolis now at capacity.

Two of the most beloved fanboy franchises – “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” – are reportedly about to have a common tie beyond all the space stuff.

According to TheWrap.com, J.J. Abrams, the director/producer/writer entrusted with rebooting the “Star Trek” movie series, will direct the next “Star Wars” film for Disney, taking stewardship of one of Hollywood’s most iconic and lucrative film franchise.

Just imagine, fellow film fans: By the end of this year, not one but two movies filmed in Oklahoma could well be top contenders for Academy Awards and other cinematic prizes.

Check out the first teaser trailer for J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek Into Darkness,” featuring the dulcet yet intimidating tones of Benedict Cumberbatch, who will square off against the crew of the Enterprise in the sequel.

It’s rumored the British actor will be playing Khan, with a chance he could be playing lesser-known foe Gary Mitchell.

Here is the synopsis, courtesy Zap2it:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J.

Next year’s sequel to J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek” reboot officially has a name: “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

According to IFC, the title will deviate from the previous series’ sequel-naming formula by omitting the colon previously used in titles like “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” instead going into territory that the “Dark Knight” and “Die Hard” have explored before.

The intimate, affecting family drama “People Like Us,” loosely based on real-life experiences in the life of co-writer/first-time director Alex Kurtzman, opened in theaters Friday. To read my positive review, click here.

Kurtzman has co-written more than his share of summer popcorn movies, including “Mission: Impossible III,” “Cowboys & Aliens,” the first two “Transformers” flicks and J.J.

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. 3 1/2 of 4 stars. To read my interview with Chris Pine and Alex Kurtzman, click here.

Movie review: ‘People Like Us’ This blockbuster season, seasoned action-movie screenwriter Alex Kurtzman makes his directorial debut with the intimate, affecting family, a powerfully quiet change of pace from the showy superheroes, animated critters and computer-generated explosions that dominate cineplexes this time of year.

‘Star Trek’ star, co-writer explore personal story with ‘People Like Us’ Screenwriter Alex Kurtzman makes his directorial debut with the family drama, which was inspired and loosely based on his own life and stars new Captain Kirk actor Chris Pine.