Leonard Nimoy open to more 'Star Trek'

[April 24, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Leonard Nimoy says he would be onboard for more "Star Trek."

After a 19-year absence, Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Mr. Spock in director J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek" prequel opposite Zachary Quinto, who stars as a younger version of the half-Vulcan, half-human science officer.

"Star Trek" studio Paramount Pictures is already preparing a sequel to the highly anticipated sci-fi franchise reboot set to premiere May 8.

"If J.J. Abrams calls me, I answer the phone," Nimoy said during a recent interview. "I don't say 'never' anymore."

Nimoy, 78, chuckled when asked about possibly reuniting on-screen with William Shatner, the original James T. Kirk actor who doesn't appear in the new voyage. Nimoy said Shatner told him "now we're even" in regard to appearing in the "Trek" prequel after Shatner cameoed without Nimoy in 1994's "Star Trek: Generations," which featured the death of Kirk.

Still, Nimoy insisted it was "too early to speculate" about possibly donning Spock's pointy ears once again.

"The character is much more relaxed about who he is and what his life should be about whereas (younger Spock) is just beginning to find himself," said Nimoy of the movie's mature Spock. "It works extremely well. The character I portray in this film is much more like who I am today, personally. I am as close as possible to the character as I could ever be."

Nimoy will next appear as Massive Dynamic founder William Bell in the May 12 season finale of Fox's "Fringe."

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[Associated Press; By DERRIK J. LANG]

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