Now that Roberto Orci is no longer in place to direct the third Star Trek film in J.J. Abrams’ reboot universe, Paramount Pictures has to quickly find a replacement. The studio reportedly has its wish-list whittled down to five names, although it could be tough to find one who isn’t busy elsewhere.
Deadline, which also first reported about Orci leaving the film earlier this month, reports that the studio’s top picks are Rupert Wyatt, Morten Tyldum, David Espinosa, Justin Lin and Duncan Jones.
Wyatt’s name will probably excite fans the most, since he successfully helped Fox re-launch the Planet of the Apes series with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. He also just directed Paramount’s The Gambler remake, so he already has a relationship with the studio.
Tyldum is about to go on the awards circuit as director of The Imitation Game, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing.
Espinosa directed Denzel Washington in the hit Safe House. He might be unavailable though, since he was hired to direct the Boston Marathon bombing film Boston Strong.
Jones is best known for his cult sci-fi film Moon and Source Code. However, he’s currently working on Legendary’s Warcraft movie.
Lastly, Fast & Furious director Justin Lin is being considered. Although he is currently directing the first two episodes of True Detective season two, he should be available. His Bourne Legacy sequel has been delayed, since Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon want to do their own Bourne movie first.
Sadly, Jonathan Frakes is not being considered.
Paramount does have to hire a director soon if they hope to release the 13th film in the Trek franchise by 2016. That will mark the 50th anniversary of the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series.
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