Star Trek 3 to be released in 2016

Justin Lin is directing the third instalment in the rebooted franchise

Zachary Quinto (L) and Chris Pine in Star Trek into Darkness (Rex)

The release date for Star Trek 3 has been announced, with the much-anticipated film set to hit the silver screen in the United States on 8 July 2016.

Paramount Pictures made the announcement on Tuesday and the release will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek series, starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as the pointy-eared First Officer Spock.

JJ Abrams directed the first two films but Justin Lin, known for the Fast and Furious franchise, is taking the helm for the next instalment. He replaces Roberto Orci, who will remain a producer on the film.

Abrams , who rebooted the franchise, based on the popular TV show and earlier film adaptations, will also be a producer. He is currently directing Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which is scheduled for release on 18 December, 2015.

Plot details for Star Trek 3 are as yet unknown, but Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are expected to return as Spock and Captain Kirk respectively.

The Star Trek films have earned more than $1.2 billion at the US box office since 1979, according to boxofficemojo.com.