J.J. Abrams announced that he’ll be shooting the ‘Star Trek’ sequel in 2D and possibly IMAX, and will be converting the follow-up to his hit 2009 sci-fi film to 3D in post-production, Collider is reporting. The director said he’ll “do a good high-end conversion like the ‘Harry Potter’ movie. Luckily with our release date now we have the months needed to do it right, because if you rush it, it never looks good.” Abrams added he’s thinking about shooting in IMAX because “I would love to do it. (It) is my favorite format; I’m a huge fan.”

The sequel, which is currently untitled and is expected to begin shooting in mid-January 2012, has a slated release date of May 17, 2013. The news of the IMAX shooting and 3D conversion comes after it was announced Abrams won’t be including any original cast members in the follow-up. Leonard Nimoy, who reprised his role as Spock through time travel in the first film, won’t be returning to the sequel.

The news also comes after Benicio Del Toro decided not to appear as the villain in ‘Star Trek 2.’ Edgar Ramirez is the frontrunner to take on the role left vacated by Del Toro.

Written by: Karen Benardello