While many have been wondering exactly when we’ll be getting our first look at director J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi sequel Star Trek Into Darkness, it appears that Abrams and Paramount are taking the Christopher Nolan approach in unveiling the first footage from the highly anticipated film.  Paramount announced today that they will be releasing the first nine minutes of Star Trek Into Darkness on 500 IMAX 3D screens on December 14th.  The clip will apparently play in front of showings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  This is similar to what Nolan did with The Dark Knight Rises, as he screened the prologue for fans exclusively in IMAX theaters in December of last year.Abrams filmed a few Star Trek Into Darkness scenes with IMAX cameras, and the format seems a fine fit for the sci-fi adventure pic.  No word on when a proper trailer will be unveiled, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t attached to Paramount’s Tom Cruise actioner Jack Reacher, which opens on December 21st.  Hit the jump for more, including the full press release.We know very little about the upcoming Star Trek follow-up at the moment, as Abrams has kept nearly everything under lock and key.  We do know that Benedict Cumberbatch is the film’s villain (which is most likely Khan), and he’s joined by other newcomers Alice Eve and Peter Weller.  Star Trek screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof are credited with the script for Star Trek Into Darkness, and Michael Giacchino has been confirmed as coming back to pen the score.Returning cast members include Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, and Simon Pegg.  Star Trek Into Darkness opens in 3D on May 17, 2013.  Read the press release below:

HOLLYWOOD, CA (November 14, 2012) – Paramount Pictures will release the first 9 minutes from J.J. Abrams’ eagerly-awaited “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” exclusively in IMAX 3D months prior to the film’s official release in May 2013.  This first-look at the movie will play in approximately 500 digital IMAX 3D theatres beginning December 14^th.

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS,” the sequel to Abrams’ 2009 hit film that redefined the Star Trek universe for a new generation, marks the first time exclusive footage has played in IMAX 3D and only the third time a first-look will be released in IMAX.

“Our longtime partners J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk and the Bad Robot team have really hit it out of the park – the footage is absolutely incredible," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.  “Their use of the IMAX® Camera and canvas is sure to impress current and future Star Trek fans alike, and 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.”

To further the IMAX experience, “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” used IMAX cameras to capture several sequences. Exclusively in IMAX theaters, sequences filmed with the extremely high-resolution cameras will expand to fill more of the screen with unprecedented crispness and clarity, putting moviegoers right into the explosive action and vast scope of the film.

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” is written by Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci and directed by J.J. Abrams.  Abrams is producing with Bryan Burk through Bad Robot Productions, along with Lindelof, Kurtzman and Orci.