Speaking with
MTV News in the website's preview of the film, director J.J. Abrams discusses his highly anticipated sequel
Star Trek Into Darkness. He reiterates prior comments confirming that Captain Jim Kirk (Chris Pine) will have to earn his captain's chair this time around.
"In many ways, this film is about a guy who is being tested to earn [his ship]," he says. Abrams additionally says that
"the whole group" will come under fire, thanks to none other than the villainous John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). The director says that this villain is a serious threat, and will at least partially succeed "in his mission to spread fear". While it isn't confirmed that any of the main characters will meet their maker, there's certainly reason to worry about Harrison.
"There is an insidiousness and ruthlessness and fierce intelligence to [Harrison] that almost undermines the interconnectivity of the crew. The stakes are much higher."
Chris Pine then comments on Kirk and Spock's (Zachary Quinto) roles in the sequel, saying that they will once again share the spotlight and, despite their obvious difference, come together against Harrison.
"The definition of who these two people are definitely comes to bear in this film. It's central to what happens in the story. Spock is a logical man of cold reason who is run by laws, regulations and prescriptions. Kirk is a guttural, by-the-heart, instinctive and impulsive guy. Those two ways of looking at the world are central to these characters and their journey." Finally, Abrams reveals that, if he did his job right, there won't be a dried eye when
Star Trek Into Darkness hits theaters.
"The goal of this movie is to make you cry. If the movie does its job, then by the end of the movie, you will have had a reaction involving the eyes. If the movie works, then there's definitely an emotional component."
Star Trek Into Darkness stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve and Anton Yelchin. The film is set to hit theaters May 17th.