Sci-fi fans are hoping for Star Trek XI to rejuvenate the franchise. Now even some of the original cast members are hoping to learn more about their own characters. Nichelle Nichols, who originally played Uhura, can't wait to see what Zoe Saldana does with the role.

"I'd love to wait and see what she brings to it so that I can understand, get to see who and what Uhura was like," said Nichols. "I would like to see what Nyota Uhura had that qualified her to go on that first five-year mission where no man or woman had gone before."

While Nichols herself is hoping to be offered a cameo, she has faith that Star Trek is in good hands regardless. "I think it's just terrific to know that Gene Roddenberry's legacy shall not only live in what [he created] when he was here, but that it's going on in that same image. I think that in J.J. Abrams' hands, it's there. All the respect and all of the wonderful characteristics that made Star Trek what it was will be honored. But I think [Abrams] will also take it to even new heights as Gene would have loved."

Now at work on the TV show Heroes, Nichols has also gotten a chance to evaluate another future Trekker, Zachary Quinto. "I gave him my best wishes. When I first came on the show, all I had seen of Zach were some pictures in the makeup room. And I said I wasn't sure about that actor. [Then when] I saw him in one of the [Heroes] episodes, I said, 'Oh my God, what an actor.' And then when I met him in person, I said, 'This is the young Spock.' They did a brilliant job in casting him."

Star Trek will arrive in theaters Christmas 2008.