Star Trek 3 has found itself in a bit of a predicament. It was revealed this week that Roberto Orci, the man who was previously tapped to helm the project, has bowed out of captaining the production of the as yet untitled, Star Trek 3. Many fans appear to be distraught over Roberto Orci’s departure from the captain’s, er, director’s chair as they felt he was the most familiar with the Star Trek universe. Orci had previously co-written the franchise’s two most recent films, 2009’s Star Trek: The Star Trek (?) and 2012’s Star Trek: Into Darkness.
So why did Roberto Orci bid adieu to directing Star Trek 3? Orci actually responded directly to fan queries on Trekmovie.com where, in true Trekkie style, a commenter invoked the great James T. Kirk by saying, “Don’t let them do ANYTHING to take you out of that chair. Because while you’re there, you can make a difference.” Orci, who earns some major sci-fi nerd points for responding on an internet forum dedicated to Star Trek, responded, “Have not forgotten. On the contrary, factored into the decision. There are bigger chairs to consider.”
While he didn’t elaborate on what those “bigger chairs” might entail, Roberto Orci did discuss some plot points that would be central in Star Trek 3. Those who have been following Star Trek 3 news closely may have heard rumbles of William Shatner joining the latest film. His appearance would be following in the footsteps of Leonard Nimoy’s cameos in Star Trek and Star Trek: Into Darkness. Well, Orci’s comments on Trekmovie.com seem to relegate the possibility of seeing William Shatner alongside Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, and Zachary Quinto into the realm of Trek fanscripts when he said, “No time travel was ever considered, fyi.” Without time travel it would be pretty much impossible for James T. Kirk to appear alongside the current cast as Kirk died in the (not so) classic 1994 film, Star Trek Generations. For those who don’t recall, Kirk was killed while attempting to stop the film’s villain on a planet and was eventually buried under a pile of rocks by Picard and then just left there. (No, really.)
How do you feel about the news of Orci’s departure? While I can’t really say how this will impact the production without knowing who Roberto Orci’s replacement will be, I am pleased to hear that the possibility of another forced Trek cameo by William Shatner seems to be unlikely. For now, anyway.