Nimoy, of course, reprises his legendary role as the older version of the Vulcan character in a pivotal supporting performance in Abrams’ film, which revisits the original series’ characters and universe.

"The intimidating thing was going up to him and saying, ‘Here’s one thing you should do…,’" Abrams said on May 15 during an interview at the Fox upfront presentation for advertisers, where he was on hand to support his upcoming SF TV series Fringe. "It was sort of like, ‘Who the hell am I to tell you what to do? You’re Spock.’"

Nimoy, Abrams added, quickly allayed his fears. "The truth is he would literally grab me and say, ‘No, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me.’ When I say he was a sweetheart, … working with him was like working with the greatest person you’d ever work with. He was just open and curious and hungry to do better. That ended up being a pure joy. I mean, I love the man. Love the man." Fringe will premiere on Aug. 26. Star Trek is set to beam into theaters on May 9, 2009.