Photo credit: Star Trek Magazine

After ‘Star Trek Into Darkness‘ underperformed at the box office, it looked like Paramount was looking to majorly shake up the franchise which had begun so promisingly with J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot grossing over $200 million in its initial theatrical run and was almost universally embraced by fans.  First, Abrams himself opted out in favor of taking on the ‘Star Wars’ franchise for Disney.  Then co-writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci were given a two year development deal at Universal where there were tasked with rebooting two other flagging brands, ‘The Mummy’ and ‘Van Helsing’.

Paramount seemed content to take a chance on new up-and-coming writing teams for the third ‘Trek’ film, meeting with Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz (Thor‘, ‘X Men: First Class‘) as well as other young writers.  But now, Kurtzman and Orci, who co-wrote the first two ‘Treks’ with Damon Lindelof,  are in negotiations to script the third one as well. (Lindelof will not return.)  Now the pair must simply find time in their busy schedule to write the script in between their other commitments.  Like the previous films, though, don’t expect many details to surface prior to the film’s release.

Not only are Kurtzman and Orci back, but Abrams is in talks to produce the film.  So fans whose hearts sank at the thought of the original creators walking away completely, should find some comfort that these three will be involved in some capacity.  Also, the entire principle cast is expected to return.

In other news, it has been widely reported by Latino Review that Jon M. Chu, director of ‘GI Joe: Retaliation‘ (and the Justin Bieber concert film and some ‘Step Up’ movies) had been offered the job of directing the next Star Trek, but this has subsequently been refuted by his publicist according to /Film on Twitter:

While Latino Review stands by their reports…

… a new name has popped up on the rumor mill to helm the film. According to Cinematallica, a source tells them that Rupert Wyatt (‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’) is “virtually a lock at this stage in the game” to direct ‘Star Trek 3’.

With no script or director yet, the time frame for the film’s production and release has yet to be determined, but ‘Star Trek’s’ 50th anniversary is 2016, so that seems like a perfect release date.

What do you think?  Are you relieved that three of the original creators will be sticking around for a third chapter?  Or were you let down by the second and looking forward to a fresh start?  Leave a comment below!