The next Java release, ‘Mustang’ is expected to be released by middle of 2006.

A CNET story reports on what can be expected in the new version. It
says: "The Mustang update will also look to simplify Java programming
and make
it easier to incorporate programs written in scripting languages such
as Perl, Python or PHP, he added. It will include the software created
by the Java Specification Request 223,
a working group that is designing changes to Java that will enable Web
pages created with scripting languages to run in server Java
applications."

Reference:
>> Sun looks to sweeten Java