The third film in the rebooted Star Trek universe will not be directed by J.J. Abrams, but it could be helmed by someone who still has experience with the franchise. Screenwriter Roberto Orci is reportedly in talks with Paramount to take the helm.
Orci has been pushing the studio to allow him to direct and Deadline reports that the two have finally begun negotiations.
The news comes just a few weeks after Orci and his longtime writing partner, Alex Kurtzman, ended their working relationship on films. Kurtzman is more interested in working on Sony’s Amazing Spider-Man franchise and has even been picked to direct Venom.
When Variety reported on the split, the site also noted that Orci was pushing to direct Star Trek 3. This would be his first time directing, but his experience on blockbusters like Star Trek, Transformers and Spider-Man could help him do the job well. Plus, he’ll have an experienced cast all signed up.
Deadline reports that Skydance, which has co-financed Abrams’ Trek movies, did support Orci’s push to direct, but Paramount was the one that needed convincing. It looks like it worked.
It was also reported back in December that Orci is working with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay on the Trek 3 script.
Abrams is working on the new Star Wars film in London for Disney, which makes him unavailable for Trek.
Star Trek 3 will actually be the 13th Trek movie in the franchise overall.