Leonard Nimoy Needs No Directing

That's the dilemma J.J. Abrams faced when confronted with having to direct Leonard Nimoy for the upcoming "Star Trek" movie.

Leonard Nimoy, the man who's indelibly etched in the archives of popular culture and science-fiction as the legendary, enigmatic Vulcan, came out of retirement to reprise his role as Spock one more time, seemed to have no qualms about taking the role.

"I was very impressed with J.J. Abrams and his writers," Nimoy said in a February 2008 interview. "I think they're very good people, very talented. They know the Star Trek story and respect it and have written a very interesting script. Those elements together along with a bit of nostalgia and obviously being able to step back into character after something like 18 years. I thought, 'Let's do this.'"

Nimoy has been both in front of and behind the camera not just for Star Trek, but for other features. It's also been nearly 45 years since Nimoy first donned the pointed ears.

"The intimidating thing was going up to him and saying, 'Here's one thing you should do …'" Abrams said during a recent interview at the Fox upfronts, where he was promoting "Fringe."

"It was sort of like, 'Who the hell am I to tell you what to do? You're Spock,'" said Abrams.

Nimoy, however, quickly reassured him that he wanted direction. "The truth is he would literally grab me and say, 'No, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me.'

"When I say he was a sweetheart ... working with him was like working with the greatest person you'd ever work with. He was just open and curious and hungry to do better. That ended up being a pure joy. I mean, I love the man. Love the man."

"Fringe" will premiere on Fox Aug. 26.

"Star Trek XI" is set to beam into theaters on May 8, 2009.

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