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After heavy campaigning, Roberto Orci has emerged as the frontrunner to direct the next installment of ‘Star Trek’ after J.J. Abrams, who helmed the first two, departed to take over the ‘Star Wars’ franchise for Disney.

Recently, Orci parted ways with his longtime writing partner Alex Kurtzman, though the pair will continue to work together on TV shows.  Orci recently delved into the scripting duties of the next ‘Star Trek’ film alongside J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, with a clear intent to direct the feature.

Orci has served as writer and producer on the two previous ‘Star Trek’ films, as well as the ‘Transformers’ and ‘Amazing Spider-Man‘ movies, however, should he take on ‘Star Trek 3’, this would be his first actual directing job.  But Skydancer, Paramount’s production partner, has been lobbying for Orci ever since Abrams chose to switch over to the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, so that’s a positive.

But is it wise for the studio to entrust such a massive property in the hands of a first-time helmer?  It can work.  ‘Snow White and the Huntsman‘ was Rupert Sanders’ first major film.  Then again, flops like ‘Transcendence‘, ‘John Carter‘, ’47 Ronin’ were also directed by first time film makers.  Can Orci succeed as a first time director where others have failed?

Probably.  ‘Star Trek‘ has a built in fan base.  Even though some had issues with the last movie, ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’, the third is most likely to be a hit just on name recognition alone.  Plus, Orci does already have experience in this universe.  I’m sure writers have a little bit of a director inside when they are penning these screenplays.

What do you think?  Will Orci make for a decent ‘Star Trek 3’ director?

Source: Deadline