'Star Trek Beyond' Getting An IMAX Release In 2016

Star Trek Beyond will be the first film in the rebooted sci-fi franchise that isn't directed by J.J. Abrams. But that doesn't mean the sequel is boldly going where the previous films haven't gone before, at least when it comes to the release strategy.

Paramount Pictures, Skydance, Bad Robot and IMAX have announced that Star Trek Beyond will be digitally re-mastered for the giant screen format and will hit IMAX screens the same day it hits traditional screens on July 22nd, 2016.

Both Star Trek in 2009 and Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013 were released on IMAX screens, with the latter being the first Star Trek movie to have footage that was shot in 3D and on IMAX cameras. The press release for the IMAX announcement doesn't mention any footage being shot with IMAX cameras, so we're left to assume that we won't actually get the most out of the IMAX screen with Star Trek Beyond. Still, director Justin Lin gave a standard publicity statement to show his excitement for the Star Trek Beyond IMAX news:

IMAX provides a one-of-a-kind movie going experience to audiences all over the world. I am excited to bring the newest journey into the 'Star Trek' universe to its screens.

Star Trek Beyond just wrapped production back in October, and the release of the sequel was just bumped back a couple weeks this past fall, but it will still arrive in time for the 50th anniversary of Star Trek next year.

This time the script comes from Roberto Orci, John D. Payne, Patrick McKay with work done by Douglas Jung and Simon Pegg as well. The latter will be back on the Enterprise along with cast members Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho and Anton Yelchin, plus new cast members including Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella, Lydia Wilson and Joe Taslim.

So far we don't know much about the movie's story, but Elba previously said that his villain offers something groundbreaking in the Star Trek universe, so fans could be in store for something huge. We'll find out next summer.

For those interested, here's the whole press release from IMAX:

"STAR TREK BEYOND" is directed by Justin Lin and reunites Jon Cho, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban and Anton Yelchin. Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella, Lydia Wilson and Joe Taslim are joining the cast. Based upon "Star Trek" created by Gene Roddenberry, the film's writers are Roberto Orci & John D. Payne & Patrick Mckay; and Douglas Jung & Simon Pegg. The film is produced by J.J. Abrams and Roberto Orci, and Justin Lin through his Perfect Storm Entertainment. The executive producers are Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Lindsey Weber.

"IMAX provides a one-of-a-kind movie going experience to audiences all over the world," said Lin. "I am excited to bring the newest journey into the 'STAR TREK' universe to its screens."

"'STAR TREK' is an iconic franchise and IMAX is delighted to once again be a part of its world and to partner for the third time with Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Bad Robot on 'STAR TREK BEYOND,'" said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "This space epic is exactly the type of event film that our exhibitor partners and fans around the world eagerly anticipate, particularly as it is so ideally suited to the IMAX format.

The "STAR TREK" franchise has earned more than $850 million since the release of J.J. Abram's "STAR TREK" in 2009.

The IMAX® release of "STAR TREK BEYOND" will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.