Justin Lin, who previously directed and produced the last three "Fast & Furious" films, will take over the third installment of the rebooted "Star Trek" movie franchise. The Taiwanese film director replaces Roberto Orci, who relinquished directorial duties early this month.
Lin has seen massive success with his most recent "Fast & Furious 6," which made worldwide ticket sales amounting to nearly $800 million. He was also eyed to direct the second "Bourne Identity" spinoff, which starred Jeremy Renner. The plan was shelved, however, when it was announced that Matt Damon will be returning to the "Bourne" franchise.
Orci is best known for co-writing blockbuster films such as "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," "Transformers," as well as co-creating the TV series "Fringe" and "Sleepy Hollow" along with longtime collaborator Alex Kurtzman. Orci also co-wrote the script for "Star Trek 3" with Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne. However, it is unclear whether they will continue to use it or have to rewrite the script.
J.J. Abrams, who directed the first two films of the rebooted franchise, will stay on board as producer along with Orci on the third film. Abrams is currently busy helming the upcoming film "Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens."
Although there is no confirmed released date for the third "Star Trek" installment, Paramount is said to be eyeing a 2016 release date to coincide with the 50-year anniversary debut of the classic TV series.
The latest installment, "Star Trek: Into Darkness," earned Paramount a whopping $467.4 million when it was released in May 2013. The first film, which came out in 2009, grossed $385.7 million.