I often wonder how close the final bits of editing for the average Hollywood blockbuster actually gets to the firm release date and how much compromising has to go in when that tight deadline edges closer. Movies like I AM LEGEND and HANCOCK (ironically two Will Smith starring vehicles) had to endure very late re-shoots to tweak the movie just right, I’m certain if they had more time they would have continued to tweak and tweak and tweak.

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I bet for some directors, a movie is never really finished and if they could they would never give up that editing room.

Well not J.J. Abrams. In an announcement on his Facebook Page, he claims the movie will be 100% complete as of next week, a good four months before the movie is set to be unleashed…

“We’re just making final tweaks to the movie — we should be totally locked next week. Then we’re going to flash-freeze it so it’s totally fresh for you in May. I can’t wait for you to see the movie. The cast is awesome. The action and effects pushed the stunt team and ILM beyond their limits. I’m so grateful to this cast and crew — and to all of you for your interest and patience. We’ll continue to update this page with new info and exclusives, so check back when you think of it. In the meantime, have a happy, healthy, fun holiday! From the last days of the sound mix, JJ”

Of course for Abrams, he had the advantage of a few extra months as originally the film was set for release on Christmas Day and he said the extra time probably wouldn’t effect his end time on the movie. And showing that he will finish the cut next week proves it.

STAR TREK is released in May.

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