Justin Lin Named 'Star Trek 3' Director: Roberto Orci Replaced By 'True Detective' Season 2 'Fast & Furious' Movies Helmer After Drama Around J.J. Abrams Project

Filmmaker Justin Lin is best known for directing multiple installments of the Fast & Furious film franchise and is working on some season 2 episodes of HBO's True Detective, but in 0216 we'll see what he can do in deep space. After some drama surrounding Roberto Orci and the new Star Trek 3 movie project, Lin has been named as Orci's replacement as the director. We previously reported that Orci would remain a big influence on the film in a producer position, but Lin will be the man in charge, taking over for J.J. Abrams, who directed the first two films in the rebooted franchise.

According to Deadline, Paramount Pictures has hired Lin to fill one of the biggest open directing positions in Hollywood after Orci was dropped from the position. Slash Film points out that Lin's schedule recently opened up after his Jeremy Renner Bourne Legacy sequel had been postponed due to Matt Damon returning to the franchise with director Paul Greengrass. While we have to wait for this project, this could be viewed as a blessing in disguise since he's just been given one of the most coveted directing chairs in the industry.

When thinking of what Lin can do with this new franchise, we should look back at Fast & Furious, which has a new installment, Furious 7, hitting theaters in 2015, with two more sequels planned after. Lin is to thank for this. His directing on the fourth movie in the franchise, simply titled Fast and Furious, was arguably the best. It helped reestablish action crime movie series about cars and explosions into a staple of moviemaking.

Will he be able to help out Star Trek? Will sci-fi be difficult for him to handle? Lin is a great director, and only time will tell. Let us know what you think of this news in the comments section below!