'Star Trek 3' Will Be Directed by Roberto Orci

If Paramount plans on having Star Trek 3 ready by the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2016, they'll need to get the ball moving fast, and it looks like they are doing just that. Screenwriter Roberto Orci, who co-wrote the first two films directed by J.J. Abrams, expressed his desire some weeks ago to helm Star Trek 3. That was followed by word that he was the frontrunner, and now Variety reports the deal is done.

This is a bold move for Paramount entrusting the film to Orci who will be making his directorial debut. He's also come under fire of late with is former screenwriting partner Alex Kurtzman for their scripts on The Amazing Spider-Man franchise, not to mention Star Trek Into Darkness.

For Star Trek 3 Orci be joined by co-writers Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne who may be able to take some of the pressure off. The cast of the prior films is expected to return, of course.