Sci-fi Guru: Star trek into darkness

Okay the much talked about sequel to J.J. Abrams 2009 Star Trek reboot, many rumour's have been flying around the web since even before it was officially announced by paramount, some seemed feasible, some were so unlikely that they made me laugh out loud. Such as the rumour that this movie was going to be a straight copy of Star Trek 2 : The Wrath of Kahn. I mean who in their right mind would believe CBS & Paramount would plough millions of dollars into a sequel to end up with the same plot as before.
Similar the rumour that the villain would still be Kahn was one that sounded way off base as well, remember Abrams prides himself on being able to show the viewer something they've never seen before even if he has to work within the constraints of the existing crew of the Enterprise.
One more thing i confidently predict is that rumours (and a trailer that seemed to re-enforce them) that Spock would die in this movie, he won't that would be far to much like the Wrath of Kahn and parallels would immediately be drawn something J.J. is no doubt desperate to avoid. Plus that would mean by default another sequel would have to follow the plot of the Search for Spock, not a good idea to back yourself into a plot corner like that.

So having covered what won't be in the movie lets cover what will starting with the obvious The starship Enterprise and the complete main cast of the 2009 movie will be returning along with new cast members Alice Eve who will be playing Dr Carol Marcus (I am given to believe that this will be Carol and Kirk's first meeting) and Peter Weller of Robocop fame playing an as yet undisclosed role.
The villain as has widely announced will be played by Benedict Cumberbatch (see IMDB profile here) who will be playing John Harrison reportedly some kind of superhuman terrorist possessing great physical strength and advanced technology as well as an ability to psychologically manipulate those around him.
Adding more mystery J.J. Abrams said in a recent interview "His name is John Harrison and he is sort of an... average guy who works in an organisation called Starfleet," Abrams added, "and he turns against the group because he has got this backstory and this kind of amazing secret agenda. After two very violent attacks, one in London and one in the US, our characters have to go after this guy and apprehend him. And it is a far more complicated and difficult thing then they ever anticipated. 'Into Darkness' is very much about how intense it gets and really what they are up against."

Full details of the plot are naturally being kept a closely guarded secret with the only plot description released thus far being as follows.

In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organisation, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.
As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

As Spock would say "intriguing" and deliberately short on details.

The announced release date is: 17th may 2013

And until closer to that date hardcore Trekkie's will have to glean what further details they can from this teaser trailer.