J.J. Abrams' Star Trek prequel has been been moved from a Christmas Day release to May 2009, reports Variety.

The studio believes the film's box office would fare better in the summer blockbuster season.

A Christmas release would have put the film up against stiff competition in the form of Adam Sandler comedy Bedtime Stories and musical Fame.

Star Trek will now open on May 8 next year without any competition.

Former Trek actor William Shatner has expressed displeasure at being left out of the new movie.

"Here's a show with my identity in it and not to be part of it is disappointing... It is a strange construction," he said.

Leonard Nimoy is the only cast member from the previous films appearing in the eleventh franchise instalment.