Anton Yelchin ("Alpha Dog," "Hearts in Atlantis," "TV's Huff") is in negotiations to play Pavel Checkov in Paramount Pictures' rebooting of the "Star Trek" film franchise under the helm of J.J. Abrams says The Hollywood Reporter.

Yelchin, who himself was born in Russia's St. Petersburg, will play the famed Russian-born navigator of the USS Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk. Checkov was played by Walter Koenig on the original "Star Trek" TV series.

Casting is under way in New York and London for Bones, Uhura, Sulu, Scotty, the film's villain and the Federation captain. Abrams is expected to sign bigger-name actors for the roles of Kirk and the villain.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the story line is believed to chronicle the early days of the Enterprise crew during their time at Starfleet Academy.

Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy are confirmed to both be playing the role of Mr. Spock. A Christmas Day 2008 release is set.