Star Trek sequel plot details emerge

The official synopsis for the 'Star Trek' sequel has been unveiled.

Director J.J. Abrams has so far managed to keep the details of 'Star Trek Into Darkness' a closely-guarded secret.

So secretive is he of the story that when he brought early footage to show on Conan O'Brien's US talk show in October this year, it transpired it was just three frames.

[Related story: Quinto isn't quitting Star Trek]

But now, the flood gates appear to be opening, with the trailer and the film's first nine minutes set to be shown ahead of screenings of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.

Meanwhile, the officially released synopsis lays out some further details for salivating Trekkies.

It reads:

“When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

“With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

“As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.”

What the synopsis leaves out, however, is details of the movie's villain, played by 'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch – though it's thought he will be playing some kind of humanoid alien.

The cast of the first film will be present, however, including Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, John Cho and Simon Pegg.

It's due out on May 17, 2013.