A source close to the production has told us that while execs at Paramount have not yet seen the script for Star Trek 2, they are already willing to spend money on pre-production offices for the sequel to the highly successful first film.

A few days ago TrekMovie reported a comment made by Simon Pegg (who played Scotty in the first film) on Twitter:

"I was making a comment about the industry yesterday not Star Trek. Word on the bridge is the new script is AMAZEBALLS and I cannot wait!!!!!"

Perhaps Pegg heard the reaction to the story pitch made to the studio.

While the studio has not yet read the script (which isn't quite finished yet, but is oh-so-very-close to being done), they have been pitched the entire proposed story for Star Trek 2 and the word is that yes, they really liked it. Understandably, they really want this movie to be made - the first one managed to do what almost no one thought was possible: To revive the 40+ year old Star Trek franchise. With an estimated production budget of around $150 million, the film grossed over $385 million worldwide. It was a hit not only with general audiences but with critics as well.

Actually (and surprisingly for this type of film) over at RottenTomatoes.com 94% of critics gave it a positive review (average score 8.1/10) but only 91% of "regular folks" gave it a thumbs up. Granted, both numbers are impressively high, but it's unusual to see critics liking a summer Sci-Fi tentpole movie more than the average moviegoer.

In any case, the story for the second film is shrouded in secrecy and fans are eagerly awaiting any details on the story and production, which the word is will be starting this August.

Star Trek 2 is scheduled to open on June 29, 2012.