Northern Ireland’s Star Trek fans will be boldly going to the cinema next week for the release of the much-anticipated 11th movie in the famous franchise.

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The new Star Trek film features the main characters of the original series, who are portrayed by a new cast including Chris Pines in the role of Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock.

Director of the film, J J Abrams, the man behind TV series Lost, is hoping his reinvention of the cult sci-fi franchise will appeal to die-hard Trekkies and a new generation of fans alike.

The movie also stars Brit actor Simon Pegg, who takes on the role of Scotty.

Early reviews have been very favourable and there has been much hype surrounding its release.

Michael McAdam, of Movie House Cinemas, said he expected the film would do well in Northern Ireland but that he didn’t think it would be the biggest blockbuster of the summer.

“This is the kind of movie that attracts the type of fan who would stand out in the pouring rain to be the first to see it,” he said.

“Star Trek traditionally has a large fan base in Northern Ireland so we are expecting it to do well.

“In the past we’ve had fans come to watch a Star Trek movie dressed up in the uniforms but they only do it for fun really.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get them again next week. But I’m not sure it will be the biggest hit of the summer. We are really expecting that to be the follow up to the Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons.”

Abrams’ Star Trek chronicles the first voyage of the USS Enterprise’s legendary crew and tells the story of when Kirk, Spock, Scotty and Bones met.

Leonard Nimoy reprises his role as the old Spock, who has come from the future to help.

Star Trek goes on general release across the UK on May 7 and 8.