Star Trek Into Darkness Has Iron Man 3 In Its Sights

'Star Trek Into Darkness' looks set to overtake 'Iron Man 3' in the UK box office.

The 3D sci-fi film is storming towards the top spot after opening with a strong £8.4 million from 556 different sites this weekend (12.05.13), narrowly trailing behind 'Iron Man 3's £13.7 million, accumulated since its release a fortnight ago.

The results make it director J.J. Abrams' best ever UK debut, peaking above its predecessor 'Star Trek's £6 million opening in 2009.

'Star Trek Into Darkness' sees Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) lead a manhunt to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction (Benedict Cumberbatch).

Abrams has admitted the movie explores some ''darkness'', but he never wants to make audiences leave the cinema feeling unhappy.

He previously said: ''I don't like going to the movies to feel bad.

''I don't like going to the movies to feel depressed and feel diminished. The reason you go to the movies is to feel bigger and stronger and happier.

''So this is a movie that they certainly go 'Into Darkness', but I would be the wrong director if it was about characters staying there.

''This is very much a movie about hope, about love, about romance, and about facing something that is truly terrifying and finding a way through the connection of your family and surviving and being stronger afterwards.''