Bruce Greenwood has been cast as Christopher Pike, the Starship Enterprise's first captain, in J.J. Abrams upcoming re-imagination of "Star Trek" says Reuters.

The character of Capt. Pike appeared in the original unaired pilot that Gene Roddenberry created. Scenes from the rejected pilot were then re-incorporated into a two-part episode entitled "The Menagerie".

Also, Abrams former "Alias" workmate Rachel Nichols says she's likely to have a role. Shooting began yesterday on the project in Los Angeles.