Last month’s rumors that Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness writer Roberto Orci was in the running to direct the next Abrams-era film were heightened yesterday by a new report by Deadline Hollywood in which Orci is now described as the “frontrunner” to help the next sequel.

This would be Orci’s first time in the director’s chair, though he has been involved in several big-budget film and television projects over the last several years which may aid in his job, should be be selected.

Deadline continued:

Orci could be an exception [for a first-time-director] because he has been involved for so long as writer and producer in shaping such big scale films as the Star Trek films as well as the Transformers and Amazing Spider-Man movies… Paramount’s partner, Skydance Productions, has been in Orci’s corner, but Paramount needed convincing. Now it all could happen at warp speed.

Orci worked with co-writers Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof for the first two films produced by Bad Robot; he will be joined by newcomers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay for the third installment of the reboot film series. JJ Abrams will remain on-board as a producer.

. . .

MAY 13 UPDATE:

It seems that Friday’s rumors have become fact as Variety is confirming that Orci has been locked in by Paramount Pictures to direct the next Trek sequel.

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