It�s the news Sci-Fi nuts have been waiting to hear- the 'reboot' of the Star Trek franchise will begin filming this November. Directed by J.J. Abrams (Lost, Mission: Impossible 3).

Robert Orci, writer of the new �Trek� and this summer�s Transformers, has revealed some important dates for fans to look out for.

In an interview, he revealed that the pre-production process is well underway, and at the moment they are casting. Shooting is intended to start in November, with a Christmas 2008 release the target.

However, for those with no patience, Orci revealed a casting announcement may be ready for this year�s Comicon in July. Many rumours and anonymous tips have flown around the net, but no official announcements have been made.

The most likely is that of Matt Damon (�Ocean�s 13�, �The Bourne Ultimatum�) will play Captain Kirk, with Adrien Brody (Spock) and Gary Sinise (Dr. McCoy) also strong rumours.

Scottish actor James McAvoy (�The Last King of Scotland�) was rumoured for the part of Scotty, however the actor has since denied the story.