The rumor mill is buzzing about next 'Trek' movie

Yes, there will be a sequel to the new "Star Trek" movie. The $79 million opening weekend — which includes the $4 million the film earned in early Thursday showings — ensured that.

And the primary cast and filmmakers have already signed for at least two more movies, though that doesn't necessarily guarantee they will get made.

(Again, a second cinematic "Trek" is a certainty now. The third one? Well, that depends on how the second one does.)

Still, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from grinding away. If you can believe the conjecture, the main villain has already been chosen for the next movie, namely genetically enhanced, would-be universal conqueror Khan Noonien Singh.

(Ricardo Montalban played that role on the original "Trek" series episode "Space Seed," as well as the 1982 movie spin-off, "The Wrath of Khan.")

In fact there's some speculation about who might step into Montalban's shoes: Spanish actor Javier Bardem.

He's already played one memorable villain role — hired killer Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men," a performance for which he won a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award.

But frankly, I'd prefer to see Bardem play a new character. Perhaps a Klingon opponent for Chris Pine's Captain Kirk.

After all, there are other rumors that scenes were shot for the movie that set up conflict between the Enterprise crew and the Klingons. Apparently these were cut for time, though maybe we'll see them on the eventual DVD release of the movie. Maybe?

And besides, this is all supposition. It's just nice that people are excited enough about "Star Trek" again to be starting rumors.

QUICK. BUT NOT DIRTY.

Filmmaking teams from throughout the state will be working around the clock this weekend, as part of the national 48-Hour Film Project contest.

The teams have just two days to write, shoot and edit short film works. Genres — as well as specific characters, dialogue and props that must be used — are provided by organizers.

"This wonderfully entertaining event involves hundreds of Utahns of all ages who have dreams of seeing their work appear on the big screen," said Lance Youngberg, a local producer for the project.

The finished films will be shown May 20 and 21 at the Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons in Sandy.