Star Trek Into Darkness Star: Kirk Won't Cameo in Star Wars

Chris Pine, who plays Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek and its sequel Star Trek Into Darkness, called J.J. Abrams a "science fiction genius" and told USA Today that the only reason he would be upset by the filmmaker taking on Star Wars Episode VII is if it means that Abrams won't be available to direct Star Trek 3, for which the entire principal cast is reportedly committed. Abrams, for his part, is reportedly contracted to "at least produce," and while Paramount plans on holding him to that (for both Star Trek and the Mission: Impossible franchise), it's unclear whether they will attempt to secure Abrams again as director. "The only way I'll be disappointed is if he doesn't direct our third movie," said Pine in the interview. "I think if that turns out to be the case, we'll have to kidnap him and hold him hostage until he agrees to do a third." He added, "From my standpoint, J.J. is a science-fiction genius. To have him over in the Star Wars camp is going to be a great thing. I'm sure it's going to be a great film." Asked about the fan opinions on an apparent "conflict of interest" with Abrams taking on both franchises at the same time, the actor did confess he'd heard rumblings. "There are fans from both camps who have their opinion on that," he said. USA Today also asked Pine whether Kirk might make a cameo in the Star Wars universe, and the actor appeared to shoot it down, saying, "Now you're really playing with fire. I wouldn't say that even lightly." Of course, such a crossover wouldn't be entirely unheard-of. E.T. made a cameo appearance in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and when J.J. Abrams, an avid Star Wars fan, first came to Star Trek, he brought a little friend with him: R2-D2, who made a cameo seen above.