Sources close to Dubai Film and TV Commission have promised that next Tuesday's (June 19) premiere of the new Star Trek: Beyond movie will be a glittering red carpet affair, complete with props and scenery from the movie, as well as a host of local celebrities, film makers and government officials.
The movie shot several scenes in Dubai over the course of around two weeks late last year, with filming taking place in JLT, Sheikh Zayed Road, Meydan and DIFC. Dubai is believed to play a ‘vertical planet’ where the iconic Starship Enterprise crash lands, though we can’t be sure.
All of the movie's main cast were in Dubai for the shoot, including Chris Pine (Captain Kirk), Simon Pegg (Scottie), Zachary Quinto (Spock) and Anton Yelchin (Chekov, who died in a freak car accident last month). Cast member Karl Urban, who plays Dr 'Bones' McCoy, even took the opportunity during his brief meeting with The National to espouse his unexpected love of architecture, and his aspirations while in the city.
The film’s main cast will unfortunately not be in attendance due to their premiere activities in Los Angeles, but we’re still getting to see the movie before the general release on Thursday, so we’ll be able to spot our favourite Dubai buildings, and Metro stations judging by the trailer, ahead of most audiences in the world.
• The premiere takes place on Tuesday night at Novo Cinemas, Ibn Battuta Mall, at 8pm and is invite-only. Sadly, those without invites will have to beam into cinemas when the movie officially releases on Thursday.
cnewbould@thenational.ae