Cast member Chris Pine poses at the premiere of the movie "Star Trek" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California April 30, 2009. The movie opens in the U.S. on May 8. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

The USS Enterprise is getting geared up to warp to the nearest cinemas as "Star Trek 2" gets a release date.

The best part about the sequel to the 2009 film is that it is boldly going where no "Star Trek" franchise has gone before: that's right, they're going to film the sci-fi classic in 3D.

Fans are pretty curious about whether the film will be shot with 3D cameras or add the said effect later during post-production, but it is good to know that the J.J. Abrams-helmed flick is set to start filming as soon as January 15.

Jeffrey Jacob Abrams is best known for producing and creating different television series such as "Felicity," "Alias," "Fringe," as well as "Lost." He directed the 2006 movie Mission: Impossible III and Super 8, which gave Elle Fanning her breakout role.

Director J.J. Abrams poses on the red carpet during the German premiere of the movie "Star Trek" in Berlin, April 16, 2009. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Abrams will co-write the screenplay with "Lost" co-writer Damon Lindelof, as well as Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. For continuity fans out there, it is good news that the key members from the original cast will return for a second helping of space exploration, including Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Chris Pine, who will once again don the mantle of Captain James Tiberius Kirk.

The 2009 film told the origin story of not just Kirk, but also of the entire USS Enterprise team, including delving on how Spock grew up as a half-human half-Vulcan and how it affected his psyche, which also led to Leonard Nimoy agreeing to revisit his oldest and most famous role.

(L to R) Actors Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, director J.J. Abrams, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho and Chris Pine pose on the red carpet during the German premiere of the movie "Star Trek" in Berlin, April 16, 2009. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

"As for the plot, well that remains cloaked in mystery at this stage. Rumour has it that Benicio Del Toro is being lined up to play the villain, although which villain Abrams has in mind remains to be seen. Benicio as Khan, anyone? " writes Total Film regarding the mystery plot of the movie.

However, since the release date is set to be on 17 May 2013, there is a lot of time on the hands of Trekkies to speculate and continue guessing, keeping them on the edge of their seats right up until a trailer is released.