Zoe Saldana Joins Abrams’ Star Trek as Uhura

Earlier this month Zoe Saldana’s name was rumored to be in the running to play Uhura in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Trek 11 movie (read here), and now Variety has confirmed the casting. Zoe, who will also be seen in James Cameron’s science fiction epic “Avatar”, has officially signed on the dotted line to play the Enterprise’s communications officer. Or to be more specific, the younger version of Uhura. She’ll be joining Zachary Quinto as young Spock, James McAvoy as young Scotty, and Anton Yelchin as young Chekov.

In the original “Star Trek” TV series, Uhura - which means freedom in Swahili — was a member of the bridge crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise who rose to the rank of commander. Nichelle Nichols played the Starfleet Academy alum in the series.

Abrams is producing “Star Trek,” which revolves around the crew’s early days at Starfleet Academy, through his Paramount-based Bad Robot shingle.

Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci wrote the screenplay and will exec produce alongside Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof. The film is set for a Christmas Day 2008 release.

Damn, Uhura is gonna be hot!