EXCLUSIVE: Simon Pegg has been set to co-write Star Trek 3, the film that just got Fast & Furious director Justin Lin aboard after Roberto Orci exited the helmer chair. He will co-write the script with Doug Jung, creator of the TNT series Dark Blue. Pegg's already a pivotal player in the JJ Abrams-produced Paramount/Skydance pic; he also will reprise his role as Scotty, the engineering wiz originated by James Doohan in the original 1960s Gene Roddenberry series. Don't be surprised if Scotty beams up further on the call sheet. Jung also wrote for Bad Robot and Paramount a film called Diamond, which is how he got the gig. They are just getting underway.



Some more interesting news on... The next installment of the hit sci-fi movie series has a pair of screenwriters. Doug Jung is co-writing the script with Simon Pegg. (I know, most outlets have been reporting this co-write relationship the other way around, but you know how we do.)Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty in the revampedfranchise, will pull double duty as screenwriter along with Doug Jung, whose previous credits include Cinemax's, HBO'sand creator/executive producer of the TNT cop drama. He made his feature screenwriting debut on 2003'sFans know Simon Pegg is already a veteran screenwriter, having co-written the Cornetto Trilogy (and) with Edgar Wright, as well the sci-fi comedywith Nick Frost and the TV comedywith Jessica Stevenson.Pegg and Jung take the reins from Roberto Orci, who had been working on a script for the third movie and was originally set to make his directing debut before Justin Lin took the helm . Shooting is set to begin in April.I'm just crossing my fingers that Sulu gets more screen time this time around.More here: Simon Pegg and 'Dark Blue' Co-Creator Doug Jung to Write 'Star Trek 3'