If you’ve been waiting for a new Star Trek film, you’ll be happy to hear the eleventh film in the long running franchise will be released in December 2008. This time it’s a prequel to the original Star Trek series, featuring younger versions of Kirk and Spock.

J.J. Abrams, best known as the creator of Lost, Felicity and Alias, will co-write, produce and direct. Abrams made his feature film directorial debut with Mission Impossible III.

The unimaginative working title “Star Trek” doesn’t inspire much confidence, but hopefully Abrams can inject some life back into what has become a lifeless franchise. Some may disagree, but I thought the last two Next Generation Star Trek films staring Patrick Stewart were two of the worst. Compared to previous films, box office returns were poor too.

The film will chronicle the early days of Spock and Kirk and other characters in the original series, including Kirk and Spock’s first meeting at Starfleet Academy.

No news on casting yet.