I think this is the best Star Trek XI casting news so far …

Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz) will play Scotty in the planned Star Trek prequel, according to Variety. The role of Montgomery “Scotty” Scott was originally played by the late James Doohan.

Also, John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle) has been cast as the young Sulu, according to The Hollywood Reporter. George Takei played Hikaru Sulu in the original series and first six movies.

No official plot details have been released at this time for Trek XI, but the story is said to revolve around a young James T. Kirk — the role originated by William Shatner — and his future USS Enterprise crew members during their early days at Starfleet Academy.

There’s been a lot of casting news for the Trek XI lately, though Shatner has said that he has not been approached about appearing in the film.

Here’s the Star Trek IX casting status:

— As previously reported, Leonard Nimoy reprises his classic role as Spock, while Heroes star Zachary Quinto will play the young Spock.

— Russian-born Anton Yelchin (Charlie Bartlett) is in as the young Pavel Chekov (see here), originally played by Walter Koenig.

— Eric Bana (The Hulk, Munich) has reportedly signed as the villain Nero.

— Zoe Saldana will play the young Uhura (originally portrayed by Nichelle Nichols). Saldana will also appear in Vantage Point and James Cameron’s Avatar. [source]

— Chris Pine (Smokin’ Aces, Just My Luck) has been offered the role of the young James T. Kirk. [source]

J.J. Abrams is producing the 11th Star Trek film through his Paramount-based production company Bad Robot (which is also working on the mysterious 1-18-08/Cloverfield monster movie). Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci penned the Trek screenplay and will executive produce along with Bryan Burk and Damon Lindelof. The movie is expected to shoot from November 2007 to March 2008.

Star Trek IX will hits theaters on Christmas Day 2008.