Leonard Nimoy played Spock in the original Star Trek series

The studio said it was interested in people with unique characteristics like "long necks, small heads, bug eyes, large foreheads and oversized ears".

Hopefuls also have to agree to have their eyebrows shaved to portray a "Vulcan-type" eyebrow shape.

Auditions will take place on Saturday in California.

Extras will get the chance to play Star Fleet military cadets in the new film, which will centre on the early experiences of Captain Kirk and his team.

'Epic project'

The invitation to the casting session said: "This is an epic project and we are looking for the most intriguing and interesting faces to integrate in this film."

Some of the facial features the studio is looking for include:

extremely large heads and foreheads

wide or close-set eyes

over or undersized ears and/or nose

facial deformities

pronounced cheekbones

ultra perfect or ultra plain-looking people

"Everyone must be thin, athletic, fit; wardrobe will be form-fitting. All hair lengths on males and females welcome," the casting invitation added.

The film, to be directed by Lost creator JJ Abrams, will be released in December 2008.