Zachary Quinto hopes Star Trek Beyond will return the science-fiction franchise to its roots.
This year (16) marks the 50th anniversary of the original TV series appearing on U.S. screens and will see the release of the latest Star Trek instalment.
The actor, who is playing overly rational alien Spock for the third time in Star Trek Beyond, believes the new film will pay homage to the franchise's history.
He has faith in Justin Lin, who is taking over from the director of the previous two movies, J.J. Abrams, to take things in a new, albeit nostalgic direction.
"I think that the 50th anniversary really influences this film in a way," he said at a panel discussion at New York's Tribeca Film Festival on Monday (18Apr16). "There's a retro kind of vibe to it - at least, I felt that when we were making it. So, we'll see how it turns out."
He adds, "I think Justin brought his own vision to the story, I don't think he was trying to do it like J.J., which is great. And they're very different people, they're very different directors."
J.J. is now overseeing another blockbuster science-fiction franchise as he directed Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, but Zachary reveals his replacement fitted in well.
"I think he also came into a fully formed ensemble of people who've worked together and done some movies together," he explained. "I loved working with him."
The panel discussion was promoting a documentary Zachary narrated, made by Adam Nimoy about the life of his father Leonard Nimoy.
Leonard, who died last year (15) famously played Spock in the original TV series and films and also had a cameo alongside Zachary in J.J.'s 2009 movie which rebooted the franchise.
The two Spock actors became close during filming as the younger man based his performance on how Leonard played the role.
Adam also explained that his dad also became a father-figure to the actor, who lost his own dad aged seven.
"Zachary had a father-son relationship with my dad," he told Observer.com. "He lost his father at an early age. Their connection was very close, respectful and loving."
Star Trek Beyond is opens in U.K. and U.S. cinemas on 22 July (16).
