Saldana Confirmed As Uhura in 'Trek XI'

Major Hollywood publications are reporting that Zoe Saldana will indeed play Uhura in the upcoming Star Trek feature film, as previously reported by insiders (story).

The Hollywood Reporter stated that Saldana was in final negotiations for the role originated by Nichelle Nichols in J.J. Abrams' upcoming movie. On the original series, Uhura - Swahili for "freedom" - was the Enterprise's chief communications officer, though since the new film is reportedly a prequel, it is not yet known what her role will be.

Saldana, who had a role in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, stars in James Cameron's upcoming science fiction drama Avatar. Variety adds that her credits also include Guess Who and Vantage Point.

Star Trek is scheduled to be released on Christmas Day in 2008. The roles of Spock and Chekov have already been cast; no word yet on who will play Kirk.

"The cold vacuum of space just got a heck of a lot hotter," wrote MTV of Saldana's casting.

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