While some Star Trek fans have openly stated their wish that STAR TREK BEYOND might be the last entry in the “Abramsverse” Trek universe, co-writer (and co-star) Simon Pegg told Movies.com how this summer’s big-screen adventure isn’t planned as this crew’s closing chapter at last week’s CinemaCon event:

We’ve known for nearly a year now that lead stars Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are under contract for a potential TREK 4 should Paramount move forward with another sequel – something that may be more likely than some may think now that they’ve got some more cash coming in.

Alibaba Pictures announced today that along with other Paramount endeavors, the Chinese film company will be investing an unspecified amount of many towards the costs of the STAR TREK BEYOND production budget, and confirmed that BEYOND will be imported into that nation’s notoriously particular entertainment slate later this year.

Per the LA Times:

After dipping its toe in Hollywood waters by putting money into “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” last year, China’s Alibaba Pictures said Monday it is investing in two more Paramount Pictures films: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” and “Star Trek Beyond.” The companies did not reveal how much Alibaba would invest in the productions…. Alibaba indicated both films have received government approval to be imported into China under the country’s quota system and would be released on the mainland in the second half of the year. “Star Trek Into Darkness” grossed $57 million in China in 2013, about 12% of its worldwide haul of $467 million.

For those of you setting your sights on the domestic box office figures to tell the whole tale of how STAR TREK BEYOND performs this summer… don’t count it out after opening weekend.