Paramount has hired a trio of writers to move forward with a sequel to Star Trek, the J.J. Abrams-directed tentpole that is set for release on May 8.
Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who wrote the screenplay for the first film, will write the second along with Damon Lindelof. Abrams is set to produce the follow-up with Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk, although no decision has yet been made as to whether Abrams will direct next Trek.
Variety reports that Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof also are receiving producing credit on the sequel. Lindelof is a producer on the upcoming film and is currently collaborating with Orci and Kurtzman on the script for DreamWorks' Cowboys and Aliens.
The trio is aiming to deliver the script by Christmas, which could mean a summer 2011 release.
"There's obviously a lot of hubris involved in signing on to write a sequel of a movie that hasn't even come out yet," Lindelof told Variety. "But we're so excited about the first one that we wanted to proceed."
Kurtzman stressed that in terms of story ideas, the writing team will wait to take a cue from fan reaction about which direction to go.
"Obviously we discussed ideas, but we are waiting to see how audiences respond next month," he told Variety. "With a franchise rebirth, the first movie has to be about origin. But with a second, you have the opportunity to explore incredibly exciting things. We'll be ambitious about what we'll do."
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