Filmmaker Roberto Orci has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to direct 'Star Trek 3'.
Orci worked as one of the writers on filmmaker JJ Abrams's original 2009 reboot and last year's sequel 'Star Trek Into Darkness', reported Deadline.
Abrams has stepped away from the franchise in a directorial capacity due to his commitments to 'Star Wars: Episode VII'.
Orci has become the top candidate to replace Abrams due to his extensive work on the franchise, despite the fact that this would be his first time directing a feature film.
Orci is currently working on the screenplay for 'Star Trek 3' along with JD Payne and Patrick McKay.
Benedict Cumberbatch has also hinted that he could return as the villainous Khan Noonien Singh in the next movie.
