Zoe Saldana will play Uhura in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek at Paramount Pictures.
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.
Saldana joins the previously-announced Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin. The film revolves around the crew’s early days at Starfleet Academy.
Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci wrote the screenplay and will executive produce alongside Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof. The film is set for a Christmas Day 2008 release.
Saldana recently wrapped the Sony thriller Vantage Point and is currently filming James Cameron’s Avatar.
