It looks as though 'Star Trek' writer Roberto Orci will be joined by two new writers for the upcoming sequel… after pal Alex Kurtzman leaves the project.
That's right folks - despite penning two successful 'Star Trek' movies, it looks as though Alex Kurtzman will be heading off on an away mission. And the upcoming 'Star Trek 3' will be replacing him with two new writers - Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne. But when will we get our first whiff of the next 'Star Trek' sequel? It looks as though Paramount are aiming for a release that ties in with the show's 50th anniversary…
According to The Hollywood Reporter, these two fresh faces will be replacing Alex Kurtzman for the anticipated 'Star Trek 3'.
"J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay have been tapped to write Star Trek 3 for Paramount and Skydance Productions."
"The duo will join Roberto Orci, who co-wrote the first two instalments of the reboot… Orci is working without Kurtzman on this one."
Of course, Kurtzman's departure is a bit of a surprise. After all, he and Robero Orci have penned both instalments of the rebooted 'Star Trek' franchise so far. But it looks as though his replacements come from a familiar place…
Both Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne have worked alongside J.J. Abrams before… and while the 'Star Trek' director won't be at the helm for this next instalment, he remains on-board to produce. But who will direct 'Star Trek 3'?
Currently without a director, Joe Cornish is rumoured to be in the running. But it looks as though Paramount will have to get their skates on if they want to release the movie in time for the 50thanniversary of the popular sci-fi series.
"The next Star Trek film is untitled and unscheduled," says THR. "But Paramount and Skydance are hoping to have a film in time for the franchise to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016."
Obviously, this would be a great way to celebrate 50 years of 'Star Trek'. And with not-so-subtle nods to the originals in 'Star Trek Into Darkness' it looks as though we may get a film that celebrates original series… while ransacking it for ideas. But will 'Star Trek 3' be an entirely original story, or one that pays homage to a classic Trek storyline? For now, we'll have to wait and see.
What do you think of this change of writers? Will Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne do a good job of 'Star Trek 3'? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
