Star Trek fans can catch their first glimpse of the upcoming sequel to JJ Abrams' reboot when a sneak peek hits IMAX screens on December 14th. The first 9 minutes of Into Darkness will be screened in IMAX 3D on 500 screens worldwide, ahead of The Hobbit.

The much anticipated follow up sees the majority of the cast return with Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch requesting permission to come aboard, Captain.

Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment, was only delighted with this latest development: "Our longtime partners JJ Abrams, Bryan Burk and the Bad Robot team have really hit it out of the park - the footage is absolutely incredible. Their use of the IMAX Camera and canvas is sure to impress current and future Star Trek fans alike. We're thrilled to once again work with our friends at Paramount Pictures to offer this extended 'first look' at this highly-anticipated summer blockbuster."

Into Darkness hits cinemas in May 2013.