The role of Christopher Pike, original captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise, has been cast in J.J. Abrams' upcoming reboot of the "Star Trek" franchise.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, veteran character actor Bruce Greenwood will play the role in Abrams' film, expected to be a "Star Trek" origin tale.

"Star Trek" will begin shooting later this month with a cast that includes Chris Pine as Young Kirk, Karl Urban as Young Bones, Zachary Quinto as Young Spock, Zoe Saldana as Young Uhura, John Cho as Young Sulu, Simon Pegg as Young Scotty and Anton Yelchin as Young Chekov.

Eric Bana was also previously announced as the villainous Nero.

Geek-savvy fans would be happy to tell you that Christopher Pike is more than just the author of knock-off teen thrillers. The character appeared as the original captain of the Enterprise in the initial rejected "Star Trek" pilot. Jeffrey Hunter played pike in the first episode, but Sean Kenney played the role in a later episode.

Greenwood most recently starred in HBO's "John From Cincinnati." The "Exotica" and "The Sweet Hereafter" star has "I'm Not There" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" set for release later this year.