Joe Cornish "No Longer Involved" with 'Star Trek 3'

A little over a month ago Attack the Block director Joe Cornish emerged as the frontrunner to take over Star Trek 3 from J.J. Abrams, and fans were excited to see him finally make the blockbuster leap. He had turned down the chance to direct A Good Day to Die Hard (wise move) and had expressed reluctance to take such a big step forward. So what was it that changed his mind finally? Apparently nothing, because Cornish won't be directing Star Trek 3 after all.

In Variety's story about the hiring of unproven writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay to help Roberto Orci pen the script, it was revealed that Cornish is "no longer involved". No reason is given for the decision and a search for a director continues. Jon Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) and Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) were mentioned at the same time as Cornish and are probably on Paramount's speed dial right now.

Cornish will move on to pen and direct an adaptation of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, and he co-wrote Marvels' Ant-Man with Edgar Wright. As for Star Trek 3, filming is hopeful to begin next summer for a 2016 release.