Star Trek 4: Chris Hemsworth's return teased by J.J. Abrams

It shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise to learn that discussions on a potential fourth Star Trek movie have already begun. J.J. Abrams, director of the first two films and producer on Star Trek Beyond, confirmed as much during a recent press conference.

“There’s something that hopefully we’re figuratively minutes away from talking about,” he said, according to Collider. “The answer is 100 percent yes, and it’s incredibly exciting.”

While fans can ponder what these discussions might entail, journalist and longtime Trekker Scott Mantz revealed the return of Chris Hemsworth is on the table. “[J.J. Abrams] confirms to me that a 4th [Star Trek] movie will bring together [Chris Pine] & [Chris Hemsworth],” he tweeted alongside a photo him and the filmmaker.

Hemsworth first appeared in 2009’s Star Trek as George Kirk, father to Pine’s Captain James Kirk. The character became famous for saving more than 800 lives — including those of his wife and son — after his ship came under attack by the Romulan craft Narada. The first film of this rebooted series introduced the concept of time travel, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.

Justin Lin stepped in to helm Star Trek Beyond while Abrams directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It’s unknown at this time whether he’d return to helm a fourth Trek or stick to a production capacity should Paramount decide to move ahead with another sequel.

In the meanwhile, the worlds of Marvel and Star Trek continue trading actors. Production on Thor: Ragnarok proceeds with Hemsworth and Karl Urban (Trek‘s Bones), and concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 previewed the return of Zoe Saldana’s Gamora.