Leonard Nimoy is likely to return for the next Star Trek movie. Although the veteran actor recently said he didn’t think he’d be invited back, director J.J. Abrams is having a hard time envisioning the sequel without him.

“I can’t imagine a Star Trek movie not needing Leonard. I’m sure that what he’s saying is a combination of modesty and honesty. He may actually feel that way. But, the truth is, we could never have made this movie without him, and working with him again would be a joy,” the filmmaker said. “It is clearly too early, given that we are just now talking story, to conclude whether or not Spock Prime is in the film or not. Do I want to work with him again? Of course, 100%. I’d love to.”

The director also admits he is open to the possibility of bringing back characters from the original sci-fi series, but doesn’t want to run the risk of alienating new fans. “In going forward, the fun of this movie series is that we will have the opportunity, given its alternate timeline, to cross paths with any of the experiences, places and characters that existed in the original series, but we have to be really careful, doing that,” he added to Collder.com.

Abrams added: “I don’t want to do something that is so inside that only die-hard fans will appreciate. We’re just now working on the script and just beginning the process of story breaking, but I guarantee you, whatever the story is and whatever the final movie ends up being, I know it will be something that will work on its own terms and be something that you don’t need to know and study Star Trek to get, but if you are a fan, there will hopefully be gift after gift of connections, references and characters that you hold near and dear. At least, that’s the intent.”