Production On STAR TREK 3 Halted As Roberto Orci Exits And Edgar Wright Linked To Replace

This was a bad idea from the start. Deadline is reporting that first-time director Roberto Orci has exited the director's chair on Paramount's Star Trek 3. Details for the exit aren't being reported, but I've heard he bullied his way onto the job and creative differences have lead to the exit. Originally, directors like Attack The Block's Joe Cornish were in talks to direct. One of the new directors on the studio's shortlist is Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Shaun of The Dead, The World's End, Hot Fuzz), who recently exited Marvel's Ant-Man over creative difference.

I hear that that exit was due to Wright's unwillingness to include elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other Marvel films into his script. Edgar Wright wouldn't be a stranger to the Star Trek set as he directed a few shots in Into Darkness, during the fight between Khan and the Klingons. We'll be keeping our fingers crossed that Cornish and Wright are frontrunners for the gig. You might remember that Edgar Wright had also been on Paramount's radar to direct Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Roberto Orci In Talks To Direct STAR TREK 3 Without Any Directing Experience, But Why?

Variety reports that Roberto Orci, who has been a franchise writer for the new wave of films, is now in talks to direct Star Trek 3. Orci previously revealed a desire to direct the third installment, but seemed like a long-shot, considering Roberto has almost zero directing experience. Compared to high-profiled candidates such as Attack The Block's Joe Cornish. Sure, Orci has been involved as one of the franchise's many screenwriters, but what made Paramount choose him to takeover for J.J. Abrams?

"After weeks of rumblings that he was the frontrunner, sources have told Variety that Skydance and Paramount have tapped Roberto Orci to direct Paramount and Skydance’s “Star Trek 3.” Orci is currently writing the story with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and had been campaigning to replace J.J. Abrams as director for some time. Abrams is busy with directing the next installment of the “Star Wars” franchise and will only be producing this pic."

The big question at the moment is why? Yes, we've recently seen Orci's writing partner land the directing gig on Sony's Venom, but Alex Kurtzman has at least directed films such as People Like Us (let's try to forget how horribly it bombed on it's tiny budget). It's sort of crazy to think a first-time director would get a shot at directing the third installment in a blockbuster franchise like Star Trek. Without any previous material to back-up his directing candidacy.

We've seen first-time directors such as Wally Pfister crash-and-burn already this year with Transcendence, you'd think that would have been a wake-up-call to some studios. Not to say this will entirely turnout to be a disaster, as we've seen people like Drew Goddard shine. He at least hasn't been dubbed a terrible writer, lacking vision which Orci has.

Vision, is a major element a director needs. We've seen from scripts for Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Island, Cowboys & Aliens and The Transformers franchise, that Orci lacks the basics of storytelling, plot structure and character development as a writer. So, how the hell could he finally muster those necessary tools now, when he's placed in the director's chair? I just don't see why he's the prime choice when there are plenty of budding directors already working for Bad Robot, who could have taken-up the director's seat and given something special to the franchise. This decision screams, a rushed production to meet a release date, rather than a solid choice for a director. It's who they could get and one that was willing to take every single note from the studio, without butting-heads over the studio's vision. There's one story that's making the rounds, which could explain how Roberto was able to get Paramount to sign-off on him.

STAR TREK 3 director Bob Orci believes the Boston Marathon Bombing and the Sandy Hook massacre were set up by the government.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) May 14, 2014

Devin at BadassDigest has been a giant advocate against Mr. Orci. Pointing out his public break-up to longtime writing parter Kurtzman, had to do with his "alcoholism" and crazy conspiracy theories. A few including the government was involved in the Boston Marathon Bombing and Sandy Hook Massacre. Painting Orci as an unstable person that just might overshadow the craziness of Mel Gibson, as Mr. Gibson never rained-down such lunacy in his own film Conspiracy Theory. It's actually shocking that Paramount would place Roberto as the face of their squeaky-clean franchise. At least the press tour will be interesting when his crazy theories are explored in front of cameras. Devin also added the following to his own write-up on the news, which might explain why Orci was hired. It's safe to say BadassDigest won't be supporting the new film, and others just might follow-suit.

"I've already told you what I heard, that Orci cock-blocked every director who came in for meetings on the project, making it look like anyone who helmed would be his dancing monkey. Who wants that when you already have pressure from the fans and the studio? Orci made a power move to guarantee his ass in the director's chair despite a huge lack of experience. How did Paramount allow this to happen?"

SOURCE: VARIETY

Ashley Miller And Zack Stentz In Talks To Write STAR TREK 3 For Paramount

BadassDigest reports that Paramount is currently in early talks with screenwriters Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz to write a draft for Star Trek 3. Apparently, the studio wants production to begin in 2014 and aren't willing to wait for the previous writers who are currently busy with other projects. Miller and Stentz are best known for contributing to Thor and X-Men First Class. Along with writing for J.J. Abrams' Fringe and Fox's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

SPECULATION: Could Joe Cornish Direct A Federation/Klingon War In STAR TREK 3?

It's starting to look like J.J. Abrams really won't be coming back to make the third Star Trek. As there is talk via LatinoReview on Twitter that J.J. and Paramount are possibly looking at an up and coming writer/director to direct the third installment. The name they are likely referring to is British comedian turned writer/director Joe Cornish. Joe is best known for his breakout sci-fi comedy Attack The Block and he also co-wrote Marvel's Ant-Man with Edgar Wright.

Details of the third film aren't exactly known but the seeds of a massive war between the Federation and Klingon Empire were planted in this recent installment. I wouldn't be shocked to see The Enterprise given another galaxy saving mission soon but we might not see the crew again until 2016. No word if the writers have started on turning their outline into a full fledged shooting script. If Cornish is indeed the person who takes over the franchise he has the writing chops to put a script together on his own.

Could Bryan Singer Direct STAR TREK 3 And Beyond?

IGN talked to Trekkie director Bryan Singer about possibly taking over the Star Trek franchise from J.J. Abrams. Singer unlike Abrams is a die hard Trek fan and even had a small cameo in Star Trek: Nemesis which had a young Tom Hardy as the villain. If Bad Robot and Paramount were looking to hire someone on the level of Abrams but had more of connection with the fans it very well could be Singer. He admits the problems with coming into a franchise as an outsider. Bryan keeps the door open if there is a strong script/story, Abrams stayed on as a producer and supported him. Singer also talks about being friendly with the cast and even visiting the set recently.

"I don't know." "Even though Matthew Vaughn directed X-Men: First Class, I produced it, I wrote the story, I was involved in the casting and the design of the movie itself, so I don't feel like I'm taking on someone else's franchise." "I'm jumping back into my own." "Particularly with this movie (X-Men: Days of Future Past), because it involves the old cast as well." "It's a very different thing jumping into someone else's franchise, someone else's cast." "It was very tough when Brett Ratner did it with mine, you know." "And you're held up, particularly if it's something that people really like what the originator did, you're held to a very, very tough standard when you're jumping into somebody else's franchise." "It's a very scary thing to do cause' they're waiting to judge you." "And sometimes it works like Aliens." 

"Right because that was a very different thing." "Alien was a science-fiction masterpiece horror film that Ridley Scott made and Jim Cameron just did an action film." "But a sequel to a character charged Star Trek...I'm friends with some of the cast and I was on the set recently." "I'm friends with J.J. Abrams and so I was on the set visiting, which was really cool and it looks really awesome." "They're really great people." "Chris Pine is lovely and I'm friends with Zachary Quinto and they're all great." "That would be the most fun part, to work with those people and to work with the lore that I love." "I just...I'm like, the pressure of doing it would freak me out." "Or might freak me out." "That being said, if someone presented a story and a structure and the original director was supporting you, really supporting you and producing with you and behind you then maybe it would be a great experience." 

While it's still possible Abrams could still make one more Trek film. Even after he completes a trilogy he'll likely move on. Nothing is set in stone about Star Wars because currently J.J. is only attached to make one film. Along with rumors of him staying on to consult on the other films with Bad Robot sticking around as well. LucasFilm could end up hiring other directors to round out the new trilogy. There has been talk of Alfonso Cuarón being looked at to direct one of the Star Wars sequels.

Singer is dying to make a science fiction film and was putting together a Battlestar Galactica movie with Universal. The last time he mentioned his BSG film was back in August. I could see him put that on hold if given the chance to make a Trek film. Producer Bryan Burk has stated that the studio isn't looking for another four year gap between the release of Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek 3. X-Men Days of Future Past is coming out in 2014 which would give Bryan plenty of time to shoot Trek 3 for a possible 2016 release date.

Could We See STAR TREK 3 Released In 2016?

DigitalSpy has spoken to Star Trek producer Bryan Burk about the possibility of the next Star Trek film being released in time for Trek's 50th anniversary (1966 - 2016) in 2016. A similar marketing campaign used to help the promote the release of Skyfall which also fell on Bond's 50th anniversary. Depending on when production begins on Episode VII (hopefully by the end of the year) it could actually all work out. Allowing Abrams enough time to make both films, if Disney and Paramount can figure out how to share the director's time. Even if he doesn't return to direct, J.J. and Bad Robot will stay on as producers.

Digital Spy: Given that the Gene Roddenberry series debuted in 1966 and we’ve just had a huge Bond 50-year anniversary celebration – has Paramount been talking to you about making a 2016 release date for the next Star Trek film?

Bryan Burk: We’re definitely talking about the next one, but we haven’t talked about a release date. We don’t want to wait four years, the same amount of time between the last one and this one, but it’s going to be a big year to celebrate, hopefully.


To say Paramount is hot to make another film is an understatement. The studio already sees dollar signs as curious Trek and Star Wars fans will be both dying to see what Abrams has done with Into Darkness. Along with the general audience who should be dazzled by the marketing campaign. The Trek fans are invested because it's expected to be bigger and more action driven than the last installment. Star Wars fans will be analyzing the film piece by piece to discover if Abrams is the right person to take over the franchise from a very tired George Lucas.

Abrams' commitments to Star Wars might put him out of the picture for Star Trek 3. Actually, that might not be the case. If they're aiming for a 2016 release date it could allow Abrams enough time to at least complete principle photography because ILM comes in to fill in the special effects. Giving a window in late 2014 or 2015 too shoot photography on Trek 3 allowing for a possible release in 2016 (Summer or Winter). The only issue at the moment the film's writers aren't exactly talking up a script for a third installment beyond ideas and possible outlines.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Casting New Characters Of STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Seemingly the new characters in Star Wars Episode VII will include the Skywalker kids and likely others from the expanded universe. I've come up with a list of actors that should be looked at for various new roles in the trilogy. The possible characters include Jaina Solo, Jacen Solo, Ben Skywalker, Mara Jade Skywalker, General Thrawn, Tahiri Veila and Jagged Fel. Let me know if you like these choices and feel free to add your own in the comments section.

JAINA SOLO: Chloe Moretz (Let Me In, Kick-Ass 1-2, Carrie), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Oblivion, Welcome To The Punch, Never Let Me Go), Ellen Page (Juno, Inception, X3, X-Men Days of Future Past) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Smashed, Scott Pilgrim, Die Hard 4, Death Proof).

JACEN SOLO: Tom Holland (The Impossible, How I Live Now), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation, Star Trek 1-2, Like Crazy), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) and Tom Hiddleston (War Horse, Avengers, Thor 1-2, Deep Blue Sea)

BEN SKYWALKER: Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim, SOA, Green Street Hooligans), Joel Kinnaman (Robocop, The Killing, Safe House, Snabba Cash 1-2) and Liam Hemsworth (Expendables 2, Hunger Games, Catching Fire)

MARA JADE SKYWALKER: Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Hannibal, Seventh Son, Carrie, Big Lebowski)

GENERAL THRAWN: John Noble (LOTR Return of The King, Fringe) and Richard Armitage (Strike Back, Captain America: The First Avenger, Hobbit Trilogy, Spooks/MI5, Robin Hood)

TAHIRI VEILA: Rooney Mara (Dragon Tattoo, Social Network, Side Effects, Ain't Them Bodies Saints) and Melanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds, Beginners, Now You See Me, An Enemy)

 JAGGED FEL: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Sin City 2, Dark Knight Rises, Looper), James McAvoy (Trance, X-Men First Class, X-Men Days of Future Past, Welcome To The Punch, Wanted) and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Godzilla, Nowhere Boy, Savages, Anna Karenina)

WHAT IF: Ten Year Old Han Solo Could Have Been In REVENGE OF THE SITH

Today it was announced that Han Solo could end up getting his own spin-off film. While it seems odd to think we'll end up seeing someone other than Harrison Ford in the role. George Lucas had planned on having a ten year old Solo show up in Revenge of The Sith. It was ultimately scrapped likely due to the backlash from the young Boba Fett cameo in Attack of The Clones. SlashFilm has posted some of the concept art from the production a few details on how he would fit into the film. Han would have shown up on on the Wookie planet Kashyyyk during the battle scenes. Giving Yoda some promising intel on General Grevious' location. This art will likely never be used as the new Solo film will likely focus on him in his late teens or early twenties.

PORTAL And HALF-LIFE Movies Being Co-Produced By J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot

J.J. Abrams' production company Bad Robot is gearing up for a stake in the video game film genre. As Valve and Bad Robot announced (via Wired) a partnership that will lead to live-action Portal and Half-Life films. No word on when this will happen but it sounds like the material is in good hands. Bad Robot is currently producing franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek and Mission Impossible. I wouldn't be shocked to see Paramount biding for distribution.

Disney Confirms STAR WARS Standalone Films With J.J. Abrams Consulting Are Coming 2015-2021

CNBC has word directly from Disney CEO Bob Iger that the company is looking towards a slew of Star Wars standalone films that will be released between 2015-2021. Episode VII director J.J. Abrams will be consulting the films as well. Iger also confirmed that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg will be writing two separate movies. This is the first confirmation from Disney that these films are actually happening.

I can confirm to you today that in fact we are working on a few standalone films, Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are both working on films derived from great Star Wars characters that are not part of the overall saga. We still plan to make Star Wars 7, 8, and 9 roughly over a six-year period of time, starting in 2015. But there are going to be a few other films released in that period, too.

Disney CEO Bob Iger tells @jboorstin $DIS is working on stand-alone films derived from Star Wars characters; films released betw. 2015-2021
— CNBC (@CNBC) February 5, 2013

 A recent update pointed out that J.J. Abrams has asked for the purposed 2015 release date for Episode VII be non-committal. Likely, to allow him to oversee other projects like Mission: Impossible 5, Star Trek 3 and the round of Star Wars spin-offs. There wasn't a confirmation from Disney if the films would be focusing on Yoda, Jabba or Boba Fett. Joe Johnston's Boba Fett film has been in the works since 2011.

Christopher McQuarrie Confirms He's Directing MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 5?

Writer/director Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher) has confirmed via Twitter that he'll be directing Mission: Impossible 5. While the statement could be considered vague Paramount has invested in him and the Jack Reacher franchise. To have him direct an installment of a well known franchise could help boost the chances of a Reacher sequel. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot will still be involved in the production. McQuarrie is also a screenwriter which could help give the script a little bit of facelift. His credits include Usual Suspects, Valkyrie, The Wolverine and Jack The Giant Slayer.

Deciding to accept. “@leeroy_nitro: @chrismcquarrie G'day mateJust wondering if your confirmed to direct Mission Impossible 5 yet?”

— ChristopherMcQuarrie (@chrismcquarrie) February 5, 2013

J.J. Abrams Still Producing STAR TREK 3 And MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5

According to Variety Paramount has confirmed that Bad Robot and J.J. Abrams will be involved with both Star Trek 3 and Mission: Impossible 5. While his role as director for Star Trek 3 is unlikely it hasn't been mentioned that a search for a new director has begun. Christopher McQuarrie is being looked for MI5 while Star Trek 3 is only in development phase without a completed script.

THR adds that Abrams can move Disney's purposed Summer 2015 release date for Episode VII. Which means depending on the project's development it could be released earlier or later. I have to assume that a new Star Wars film would need at least a year for artists to put together set designs, action sequences and alien concepts. We should be expecting a little more than just a green-screen production this time around.

In theory, he could choose to hold off the release of the next Star Wars until 2016. Perhaps, giving him all the time needed to be involved with pre-production on Episode VII along with a small window to make Star Trek 3. At the very least helping Paramount find a new director and continue creative choices as producer. It wouldn't be shocking to see a director like Jon Favreau (Iron Man) or Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods) coming in to pickup the baton.

LucasFilm/Disney Confirm J.J. Abrams Will Direct STAR WARS

LucasFilm/Disney have released the official announcement on the StarWars site that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek 1-2, MI3, Super 8) will indeed be directing the first installment in a new Star Wars trilogy (Episode VII). Casting and plot points will be speculated over the coming months but the later we might have to give up on. Considering how secretive Abrams is about his projects. They also include that Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi) and Simon Kinberg (writer of Sherlock Holmes, X-Men Days of Future Past) will consult on the film.

After a bevy of emails and phone calls, the formalities have been wrapped up, and at long last everyone can exhale and properly share the word with an excited Internet. Yes, J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

"It's very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie," said Kennedy. "J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Warsexperience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture."

George Lucas went on to say "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller." He's an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands."

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor," J.J. Abrams said. "I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner."

Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year's Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm's preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

J.J. Abrams Is Directing STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Lesson learned today, never trust an official denial from anyone. TheWrap has reported on the hottest story of 2013 as they reveal J.J. Abrams has been chosen to direct Star Wars Episode VII. Apparently, Ben Affleck was also a candidate and has been linked for Justice League for months now. It's not a shocking move considering how wonderful Abrams was able to resurrect the tired Star Trek franchise with his reboot. Abrams is a self-professed Star Wars geek while not really being into Trek when he landed that franchise. During the speculation of the project's director J.J.'s name kept coming up. He would eventually publicly denied wanting to make it which was a misdirection by the director. It will be interesting to see how this effects the Episode VII pre-production which is rumored to start this Spring. Considering Star Trek Into Darkness is releasing in May then in many other markets afterwards. It's release date is expected for Summer 2015 alongside Avengers 2 and Justice League.

It's possible this news could give Paramount the idea to move on with the Star Trek franchise without Abrams. However, nothing says this would effect current development on Star Trek 3. The third installment is only in a story-phase while the screenwriters are focusing on other projects. Nothing says Abrams won't be able to finish his Trek trilogy then hand it off to another director.

Edgar Wright Will Direct Sci-Fi Flick 'COLLIDER' Afterall

It was little less than an hour ago that it was reported that Edgar Wright along with writer Mark Protosevich and producer J.J. Abrams were working together on Collider. The detail-less sci-fi project will now have Wright as it's director and co-writer according to new information from Deadline. Previously, he had only been credited as breaking the story for the film.

Edgar has quite a crowded que of projects as it is, excluding Collider. World's End beings shooting this fall, Marvel's Ant-Man sometime in 2013, not to mention The Night Stalker for Disney and his long in-development original actioner Baby Driver. There have even been early rumblings that he should direct the Doctor Who film.

J.J. Abrams And Edgar Wright Teaming For 'COLLIDER'

Deadline reports that J.J. Abrams (MI3, Star Trek 1-2) and Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Ant-Man) will be collaborating on a secret science fiction film titled Collider. Details are currently unknown but Abrams will produce with the film being developed from an idea by Wright. Paramount and Bad Robot are in the mix as per usual with Abrams' projects. They've hired screenwriter Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, Mass Effect, Thor) to pen the script. A director hasn't been named but it's unlikely that Edgar will be given the task. He's about to start production on World's End and Ant-Man soon after.

Paramount Confirms Mission: Impossible 5 Is In Development

THR reports that Paramount CEO Philippe Dauman when asked if there were plans for a fifth Mission Impossible his response was "Oh, yes". There had been talk even before the release of Ghost Protocol that MI5 was already in the works. However, those early talks assumed that Tom Cruise wouldn't be returning with rumblings that Jeremy Renner would be talking over the IMF unit. I have yet to watch the fourth installment so I'm not sure if Renner's character makes it out of the film. Cruise seems to be up for another film and the studio must be happy that Protocol ended up making $680 million worldwide making it the most profitable film in the franchise so far. There's no word if director Brad Bird or any of the cast will be returning.

Mission Impossible 5 Moving Forward?

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is already a financial and critical hit. Making the fourth installment one of the most rewarding films in the franchise according to many reviews and word of mouth. Putting together a solid cast including Jeremy Renner has paid off, not to mention bringing Simon Pegg into the spotlight.

MovieHole reports the studio is aiming to move forward with Mission Impossible 5, which isn't surprising. It had been rumored that Jeremy Renner was going to take over the franchise when Paramount first announced Ghost Protocol. Paramount mentioned then that there could be more Mission Impossible films in the future without Tom playing Ethan Hunt. Cruise seems to have won audiences over and the studio could want him to go on more missions. The question will be will the studio be able to bring back director Brad Bird or Renner/Pegg for the sequel? If Bird returned he would be the first director in the series to do so.