It's official: Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions have recruited J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay to join Roberto Orci ( Star Trek 2009 and Star Trek Into Darkness ) in writing the next big-screen Star Trek adventure. The new Trek film will be the first produced project for Payne and McKay, who earned the embrace of J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot with their adaptation of the graphic novel Boilerplate, which is in development at Bad Robot. Alex Kurtzman, Orci's longtime writing partner, will not be involved, concentrating instead on the tandem's other in-the-works films and shows.

The third Star Trek film does not yet have a title, a release date or a director, as Abrams will be busy with Star Wars. However, the film is expected to be ready in time for Star Trek's 50th anniversary in 2016.