J.J Abrams will not direct "Star Trek 3."
The director told Collider that he doesn't have enough time to helm the film. "It's a little bittersweet. But, I will say that I'm going to be producing the movie. Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands. I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing," Abrams said.
"I certainly don't want someone to come in and try to do what I would have done. We want to hire someone who's gonna come in and bring their own sensibility. I'm very excited to see what comes next, despite feeling jealous of whomever that person is. "
The news comes as no surprise; Abrams is currently working on "Star Wars: Episode VII." However, dialogue on who will direct the next movie has already begun. Several directors including John M. Chu ("G.I Joe"), Justin Lin ("Fast and Furious") and Brad Bird ("Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol") have been linked as possibilities. The latest director in the mix was Ryan Wyatt who directed "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."
Abrams has directed "Super 8," "Mission Impossible 3," "Star Trek" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness." He is currently producing "Portal," and an untitled "Cloverfield" movie.
"Star Wars Episode VII" is currently in pre-production with Kathleen Kennedy producing. Disney will release the movie in 2015 with production slated to begin in January 2014.