Following May's announcement that the upcoming Star Trek sequel will be directed by Star Trek and star Trek: Into Darkness writer Robert Orci, today it was announced that he will no longer be serving in this role on the film.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Star Trek: 3 as it is being unofficially labeled by fans and media outlets alike was supposed to be Mr. Orci's first directorial role on a major feature film. However following today's announcement, there is confusion as to the reasoning behind his premature departure. All that is known so far, according to The Hollywood Reporter is that “[Robert Orci] stepped off Star Trek 3 as director”.
This news might be a welcome surprise to those who have doubted his capabilities, given his lack of prior experience in such a position. While his experience on films and televison dates back to 1999 including thirty credits as a producer and twenty-seven as a writer, Mr. Orci lacks any prior experience directing films, despite being anointed by former Star Trek and current Star Wars director J.J. Abrams.
According to Deadline, Edgar Wright may be tapped as Orci's replacement. Wright's film credits include directing popular films including The World's End, Scott Pilgrim vs. World, Hot Fuzz, and Shaun of the Dead.
In August, Orci announced the completion of Star Trek 3's script. Thus, it's safe to say that this will only be a minor setback in the film's development process, while a replacement is found.
STORY UPDATE - 7/12/2014
A campaign on Reddit has taken to Twitter using the Hashtag #BringinRiker to demanding Jonathan Frakes be named the next director of the film. So far, there has been no comment from Mr. Frakes nor Paramount on this subject.
STORY UPDATE - 15/12/2014
Deadline is reporting that Skydance and JJ Abrams have put out a short list of possible Star Trek 3 directors. Unfortunately Jonathan Franks is not on it! The list does include several decent directors. On the top of the list is Mister Rupert Wyatt. Who directed The Planet of the apes. Others on the list are Daniel Epinosa (Safe House), Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game), Duncan Jones (Source Code), and Justin Lin (Fast & Furious).
Duncan Jones tweeted that he is not doing Star Trek 3
WHAT DO YOU THINK ORCI'S DEPARTURE AND HIS POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS?
DISCUSS BELOW IN THE COMMENTS!
WRITTEN BY CEHUS
EDITED BY McCLINTOCK - UFP.MCCLINTOCK@HACARI.COM
