Two features with deep roots in geek culture, both due to open in May 2013, are starting production.  Shooting on J.J. Abrams Star Trek 2 is now underway in Los Angeles, according to The Wrap.  It’s due to open May 17, 2013.  The role of Benedict Cumberbatch, the most recent addition to the cast (see “Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘Trek’ Sequel”), has still not been revealed.

Shooting on The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp, will begin in February in New Mexico, also according to The Wrap.  The film had to go through a painful rebudgeting process, involving concessions from most key players, that got the budget down to a low, low $215 million (for a Western?).  That process also meant that the film’s opening was pushed back to May 31st, 2013 (see “’Lone Ranger’ Movie: Set for May 31st, 2013”).