New Star Trek 3 Directors Shortlist

With series writer Roberto Orci vacating the director's chair of Star Trek 3 we've seen a rumour about Edgar Wright stepping up and some optimistic noises from Jonathan Frakes, who volunteered to throw his hat into the ring. Deadline, however, believe they've unearthed Paramount's true current directors shortlist for the as-yet untitled film. The names they've jotted down are Rupert Wyatt, Morten Tyldum, Daniel Espinosa, Justin Lin and Duncan Jones (Wright and Frakes are conspicuous by their absence).

Jones has already counted himself out. Sounding somewhat shellshocked from his massive **Warcraft **experience, he tweeted: "Very flattering being on shortlist for Star Trek, but won't be doing it. Absolutely MUST make my own thing next or I'll die of old age."

Wyatt has summer sci-fi previous in Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, but is currently in pre-production on his TV series Echo Chamber. So he may also be unlikely.

Lin is currently filming the opening episodes of True Detective's second season, and has any number of other projects at various stages of development. He's even been rumoured as returning to his signature Fast & Furious franchise, although where that goes after next years Furious 7, and whether Lin would be interested in that backwards step remains to be seen.

Which leaves the comparative wild cards of Espinosa (Snabba Cash, Safe House, Child 44) and Tyldum (Headhunters, The Imitation Game). Both are international names who would be making the leap from mid-budget dramas and thrillers to a mega-FX blockbuster. But they're both intriguing choices.

As ever, we’ll have to wait and see who eventually does take on the task; it may be none of the above. But with Paramount looking to have Star Trek 3 (or 13, if you prefer) shooting next year ready for a 2016 release (to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise as a whole), someone needs to be in place soon...