On May 8, 2009, Trekkies across the US can rejoice again. For many, it won't be because of the USS Enterprise flying around deep space in warp speed again. And it won't be because of the often incessant, but useful, arguements between Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock. It will be, however, worth rejoicing once we see Uhura in a space suit.

Uhura is arguably the first lady of sci-fi. More accurately, she IS the first lady of sci-fi "geeks". Prior to her, there were no die hard science fiction fans. No devout followers of geeky space costumes. No Trekkies. Although Jane Fonda was superb as Barbarella, no one followed her around in conventions. But Star Trek, Kirk, McCoy, Spock, and Uhura changed that.

In the latest movie, Uhura will be played by a sexy upcomer, Zoe Saldana. We've seen her before as Anna Maria in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. She was the lady pirate who was recruited by Wil Turner and Jack Sparrow to rescue Elizabeth Swann from the undead pirates of the Black Pearl. Zoe is perfect for the role of Uhura.

On a side note, Orlando Bloom who played Wil Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean eventually became Zoe's boyfriend. I don't know if they're currently dating or have separated.

Zoe Saldana is super cute and makes a great pin-up girl. She'll do the role of Uhura justice on screen. And could possibly be one of the few who can follow Nichelle Nichols' footsteps.

Here's a bit of a trivia (Zoe Saldana's IMDB page). In the movie The Terminal, Zoe's character Dolores Torres said that she likes going to Star Trek conventions. And now, here she is as Uhura.

Read Zoe Saldana's Esquire Interview.