In recent interviews, Leonard Nimoy has given the J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” movie high praise.

“My photography is still a major love and a major part of my creative life, but this is a ‘Star Trek’ project, so it’s something special,” Nimoy told The Shmooze by phone from Los Angeles, where he’ll be filming through next month.

His last “Trek” movie was 1991’s “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”; four more have been made since. Nimoy said he was drawn to this next one by the energy and reputation of director/producer J.J. Abrams (“Lost,” “Alias,” “Mission Impossible III”), “a really special guy with a wonderful script and a great production…. He’s the real deal.”

“And I feel I owe it to ‘Star Trek’; it’s been a big, positive factor in my life,” he added. “I do think this is a very serious chance for the entire franchise to become reinvigorated.”

The entire interview is here. Larry Mantle of AirTalk recently conducted a radio interview with Leonard Nimoy. Visit the Web site to listen.

Find out more about Leonard Nimoy’s photography and view images from the critically acclaimed “Full Body Project” here.