Roberto Orci To Replace J.J. Abrams As The Director On ‘Star Trek 3’

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For weeks rumors had it that J.J. Abrams was the frontrunner for the movie, but it appears we now have confirmation that Orci will indeed direct Paramount and Skydance’s “Star Trek 3.”

Roberto Orci got his start writing episodes of “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” only to later move on to co-writing 2009’s “Star Trek” and last year’s “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

Orci is writing the story with Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne at the moment, and had been campaigning to replace J.J. Abrams for a while now. Abrams seems busy with directing the next sequel of the “Star Wars” franchise.

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Plot details are currently unknown, but cast members including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are expected to return. Abrams will produce along with his producing partner Bryan Burke and Skydance’s David Ellison.

This development follows after Orci and longtime writing partner Alex Kurtzman split up, both looking to direct more movies and feeling like going solo would be in the best interest of both parties.

Primarily known as a writer and producer, this will be Orci’s first directorial gig. He is probably going to be a controversial choice for some “Star Trek” fans. The real hope here is that the next film won’t needlessly crib from other movies in the franchise and strike out with something new.