The makers of the Star Trek film franchise have confirmed that the fourth installment of the film is in the works and will commence production later this year. The franchise director JJ Abrams confirmed it at the ViacomCBS Investor Day and also reaffirmed that Matt Shakman will be helming the film. 

The bigwigs at Paramount Pictures, the banner that's bankrolling the film, also confirmed that they have commenced discussions with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban, John Cho, Simon Pegg, and other cast members to reprise their respective roles. 

The film, written by Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires, adapted from an earlier draft penned by Lindsey Beer and Geneva Robertson-Dworet, is expected to follow the events of Star Trek Beyond (2016) that was helmed by Justin Lin. The makers are yet to announce an official release date.