The producers of the new Star Trek film may be close to announcing who will be playing Captain Christopher Pike in the film.

According to a casting update on the Trek Movie Report, this actor will likely not be Josh Lucas, who was last week rumored to be the front-runner for the role. According to TrekMovie.com, Lucas was considered for the role, but he's not the leading candidate. The site said the role of Pike will be an important one, but disputed recent rumors that Pike will have a larger role than Kirk.

Over the past week, casting has apparently progressed on minor roles, such as the crew members of other ships besides the Enterprise. The Trek Movie Report wrote that casting is also currently going on for two roles that hadn't been reported before; namely those of Spock's parents. Previously word had already leaked out the film will feature the parents of James T. Kirk.

In the first Original Series pilot "The Cage," the role of Christopher Pike was played by Jeffrey Hunter. The roles of Spock's parents Sarek and Amanda were played by Mark Lenard and Jane Wyatt, respectively.

The film's casting directors may be beginning to feel the pinch of time, as shooting on the film is currently expected to begin next Wednesday, the 7th of November. This is two days later than the original starting date, but the Trek Movie Reported noted this delay wasn't due to casting reasons. The film will apparently begin shooting with the actors that have already been announced, with scenes featuring the uncast characters to be filmed early next year. "There are a number of candidates they pull the trigger on any time," a source for the site said, "but they are still looking to make sure they get the best possible actors for the roles."

For the original article from the Trek Movie Report, please follow this link.

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