- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
LONDON — J.J. Abrams and his Star Trek Into Darkness cast, including Chris Pine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana and Simon Pegg, strolled the white carpet amid enthusiastic crowds gathered in the British capital for the expected blockbuster’s world premiere.
The Paramount sci-fi sequel made its world debut in the famous London landmark movie theater the Empire, on Leicester Square.
PHOTOS: ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’: 13 Photos to Get You in the Mood
Also on the white carpet was franchise newcomer Alice Eve, who wore an Ermanno Scervino suede strapless dress with a black belt.
Saldana turned heads in a Vionnet dress, which featured a long black bodice and an asymmetrical white skirt that at times was unwieldy on the breezy white carpet.
Introducing the movie, Abrams called producer Bryan Burk, writer-producer Damon Lindelof, Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman to the stage before bringing the cast up as well.
“We just want to thank you for your kindness and for waiting,” he said before the movie rolled in 3D.
When Abrams called Alice Eve to the stage, he asked her as an aside who she was wearing. “I can’t pronounce the name,” Eve replied apologetically. Following her to front of house, Saldana shared before being asked: “Vionett. I’m wearing Vionnet.”
The movie got a warm reception from the audience with whoops and cheers sounding out at the conclusion of the screening. British celebrities attending included Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and comedian John Bishop.
The movie’s U.K. release date is May 9, ahead of hitting U.S. screens May 17.
Before the screening, Pine raised a laugh from the white carpet by thanking the crowds for putting up with the cold to be there when, for the first time in months, London had enjoyed two sunny days in a row.
VIDEO: ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Trailer: The Enterprise Is ‘Dead’
Abrams even noted that “the weather is better in London than in Los Angeles.”
The film sees Abrams take the USS Enterprise on its second voyage since rebooting the franchise in 2009. It details the story of Kirk (Pine), who leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction to settle a personal score.
Local British interest in the movie has been especially high since Cumberbatch’s casting as the movie’s villain who takes on Captain Kirk.
Fellow Brit star Pegg took to Twitter earlier in the day to poke fun at Cumberbatch during the junket for the film.
“Having lots of fun making up stories of discontent and abuse about Benedict Cumberbatch in the press junket. Beats “he’s dreamy” (he is),” Pegg tweeted.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day