With J.J. Abrams leaving Star Trek's galaxy far far away for another in Star Wars: Episode VII, Paramount has been searching for somebody to take the reins. And with the plan to have Star Trek 3 ready by the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2016, the need was growing more urgent. A number of names were kicked around, including Attack the Block's Joe Cornish, but a few weeks ago screenwriter Roberto Orci throw his hat into the ring, and it looks like he's getting his wish.
Orci is in talks to direct Star Trek 3, and while it would be his directorial debut there's no doubt he's familiar with the franchise. With former writing partner Alex Kurtzman they wrote the prior Star Trek films, and they have a long history with a number of blockbuster franchises. Still, this would be a gutsy move for Paramount entrusting one of their major summer flicks to an unproven director.
Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne are co-writing the script with Orci, and while there are no plot details yet something needs to be done soon to have the film ready by 2016. [Deadline]
