J.J. Abrams Won’t Direct ‘Star Trek 3′ – We’re Shocked! (Okay, Not Really)

Unsurprisingly, J.J. Abrams has finally admitted he can't possibly helm Star Wars: Episode VII for Disney as well as direct another installment of his reinvigorated Star Trek franchise for Paramount. In talking with Collider about the upcoming release of Star Trek Into Darkness on Blu-ray, Abrams stated,

It's a little bittersweet. But, I will say that I'm going to be producing the movie. Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands. I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing. I certainly don't want someone to come in and try to do what I would have done. We want to hire someone who's gonna come in and bring their own sensibility. I'm very excited to see what comes next, despite feeling jealous of whomever that person is.

Again, this comes as no surprise, and in fact, most of us had already thought this would the case; what with Episode VII filming in early 2014 and Star Trek 3 to begin production soon after. The man simply can't control both behemoth, science fiction franchises at once. Or can he?

Abrams will still be involved with Star Trek 3 as a producer, meaning he'll have influence over the final product and more importantly over who'll be chosen as his successor. The latest rumors point to a long list of potential directors, including but not limited to: Jon M Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation), Joe Cornish (Attack the Block), Justin Lin (Fast & Furuious), Brad Bird (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Ratatouille, The Iron Giant), and Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes). Any in that list you like?

Of that list my pick, as well as Cinema Blend's Katey Rich, is definitely Brad Bird. Remember how hard the internet lobbied for him to direct Episode VII? Well, those reasons still stand. And hell, he's already proven he can follow Abrams and even improve on his work with Ghost Protocol, plus, he worked with Simon Pegg on that flick. He's got to be a shoe-in, right?

Source: Collider via Cinema Blend