Now that J.J. Abrams is hard at work making Star Wars: Episode VII, Paramount Pictures and Skydance were in need of a new director for the third movie in their rebooted Star Trek franchise. Abrams directed the first two movies, 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness.

In what could be considered a risky move, the studios have decided not to find an established big Hollywood blockbuster director to bring in. In fact, they’re not even bringing in an up-and-coming director who might be ready to break out. Instead, it has been decided to hire writer Roberto Orci to direct Star Trek 3.

Orci, along with longtime writing partner Alex Kurtzman, wrote the scripts for both previous Trek movies, and has worked on a long list of big budget flicks and TV series including the Transformers movies, Mission: Impossible III, Cowboys & Aliens, Fringe, Sleepy Hollow, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Orci and Kurtzman recently decided to go their separate ways moving forward.

Orci’s name has been rumored to be among those being considered by Paramount, and he was even campaigning for the job recently. But despite having plenty of writing experience, Orci will be making his directorial debut with Star Trek 3. Attack the Block director Joe Cornish was also once said to be a possible choice to replace Abrams behind the camera.

Cast including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are expected to return for the trilogy-maker, and Abrams will remain on board as a producer.

[Source: Variety]

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