Paramount has announced its director for the next film in the Star Trek franchise. It will be Roberto Orci.

Rumors had been flying that Orci would be the logical choice to replace J.J. Abrams once he moved over to the Star Wars set to direct the seventh film in that George Lucas universe.

Many consider Orci to be the logical choice for that center seat due to his love of Star Trek. Of all those involved with the redo of Trek he is the most knowledgeable and respectful of the Roddenberry creation.

Star Trek 3 is being co-written by Orci, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. Payne and McKay are also penning the screenplay for the new Flash Gordon movie. The Star Trek film will be produced by Abrams, Bryan Burk and David Ellison.

Orci is one-half of the famous writing/producing team Roberto Orci/Alex Kurtzman responsible for such groundbreaking productions as LOST, Alias, Fringe and the less than stellar The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The team is recently split-up to pursue separate entertainment ventures.

All the original alternate Trek actors are expected to return to their now familiar roles including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto – aka Kirk and Spock.

Orci is currently busy producing film projects like The Amazing Spider-Man 4, The Mummy, Van Helsing and several made-for-television movies and series.