Roberto Orci Wants to Helm 'Star Trek 3'; Splits from Big Screen Partner Alex Kurtzman

Wherever Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman go, big box offices tend to follow. The writing/producing duo have been behind some huge blockbusters over the years, from The Amazing Spider-Man, Star Trek, Transformers, Cowboys & Aliens, The Island....okay, maybe not those last two. There's no denying the impact they've had as a tandem, but it's coming to an end now as the duo is splitting up to pursue their own goals.

While they will remain television partners, Orci and Kurtzman are going their own way when it comes to feature films, and Orci is hoping to make a big splash. Variety reports he is pushing hard to direct Star Trek 3, which he is slated to co-write with Patrick McKay and John Payne. The hold-up appears to be Paramount who are understandably reluctant to hand such a major franchise to an unproven debut director. Orci has the support of J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot, which may be enough to convince Paramount to take a chance. Kurtzman, on the other hand, has already helmed People Like Us and is set to co-write and direct Sony's Venom spinoff.

Orci and Kurtzman will continue to produce projects together but this split is a pretty big deal. It'll be interesting to see if they can survive as individuals.