Today’s news that shouldn’t surprise anyone comes from Paramount. The studio and IMAX announced today that Star Trek Beyond will be released in IMAX theaters worldwide when it opens next summer.
The new film is the third in the re-booted Star Trek universe, which started with J.J. Abrams’ 2009 hit Star Trek and continued with 2012’s Star Trek Into Darkness. It is the 13th overall Trek film.
Beyond is being directed by Justin Lin, who takes over for Abrams. The cast includes Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho, Simon Pegg and Anton Yelchin. Idris Elba is among the new castmembers.
The script is by Roberto Orci, John D. Payne, Patrick Mckay, Douglas Jung and Pegg.
"IMAX provides a one-of-a-kind movie going experience to audiences all over the world," Lin said in a statement. "I am excited to bring the newest journey into the Star Trek universe to its screens."
Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 22, 2016, during the same year that the franchise celebrates the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the original TV series. CBS is also launching a new Trek series, which will debut in 2017.