Comic Pegg set for Star Trek film

Simon Pegg's latest film Run Fat Boy Run topped the UK chart

Hot Fuzz star Simon Pegg is poised to play Scotty in the new Star Trek movie.

The British comic has been offered the role of the chief engineer, played by James Doohan in the classic TV series, his manager has told BBC News.

The film, directed by Lost creator JJ Abrams, focuses on the early lives of Captain James T Kirk and Mr Spock.

Star Trek's 11th big screen outing also stars Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy, and filming is due to start next month.

Screen success

Pegg's manager Dawn Sedgewick said he had been offered the part, which was now subject to "the usual paperwork".

US actor Chris Pine is in talks to play the young Captain Kirk, trade publication Variety has reported. Bana will play Nero, and original Spock Nimoy has a cameo role.

The film will show the crew meeting at the Starfleet Academy and embarking on their first mission.

Pegg, 37, found fame in TV comedy Spaced and went on to find big screen success by writing and starring in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

His other films include Run Fat Boy Run and the forthcoming How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.

Abrams and Pegg previously worked together on Mission: Impossible III, starring Tom Cruise.