AirLockAlpha.com

There's a new captain at the "Star Trek XI" helm, and you already know his name: J.J. Abrams.

For many months, there has been rampant rumors that Abrams -- best known to genre fans for being one of the creators of ABC's "Lost" as well as his previous series "Alias" -- was on again and off again in directing the next Star Trek project, which he took over last year from writer Erik Jendresen. But now it seems that Abrams will indeed direct the film, signing on the dotted line late Friday night, the Hollywood Reporter said.

Abrams also will continue in a producer role for the film through his Bad Robot production company as well as with Paramount, which owns the rights to Star Trek.

It almost seemed like Paramount would have to be searching for a director to take over the film after Abrams was reported to be joining Stephen King's "Dark Tower" project. It appears now that if Abrams does become attached to that project, it would not interfere with him directing the next Star Trek film.

Paramount has yet to officially announce this, so please treat this as you would any other rumor. Abrams' agents also refused to comment on the report, according to the trades.

"Star Trek XI," which is being prepped for a 2009 release, is rumored to be featuring a younger Kirk and Spock in Starfleet Academy in a possible reboot of the franchise.