Star Trek’ Writers Alex Kurtzman And Roberto Orci Consider The Sequel

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that pen has not yet been put to paper on a sequel to J.J. Abrams‘ “Star Trek.” For starters, the first one is still in theaters. There’s also the fact that writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have been busy promoting and prepping a few smaller projects. You know, stuff like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”

It was this week’s Michael Bay spectacle that landed Collider some face time with the writing duo. Kurtzman and Orci obviously aren’t revealing any of the specific ideas they have in mind but they did speak rather generally about what their plans are for the next entry in the rebooted franchise.

The course of the next movie is the current “active discussion,” with the writers considering whether to deal with “the exploration sci-fi plot where the unknown and nature itself is somehow an adversary or the villain model.” In other words, they’re working out whether the crew will explore “strange new worlds” because that’s their directive as members of Starfleet or because some intergalactic madman is trying to blow everything up all over again.

There aren’t any other significant revelations, though a few additional tidbits do surface. Abrams is not a lock to direct the next film, though I would be surprised if he opts out. The filmmaker has enjoyed a pretty steep upward trajectory thus far; while “Star Trek” earns him plenty of street cred in Hollywood, an out-the-park win — and a pretty guaranteed one as far as I’m concerned — with the sequel certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Paramount is certainly interested in seeing a “Star Trek” sequel beam itself in front of cameras as soon as possible. Kurtzman and Orci revealed that they expect to deliver a script by Christmas of this year, so a Spring/Summer 2011 release isn’t entirely out of the question. That’s nothing more than speculation of course; we’ll just have to wait and see. The writers were clear that they continue to listen to fan’s thoughts, so please share yours below.

What do you think of the exploration vs. villain discussion Kurtzman and Orci are currently considering for the sequel’s story? Do you think Paramount is right to get the sequel out as quickly as possible? Do you worry that a quick turnaround may hurt the film, or do you have faith in Kurtzman/Orci to do right by the story, regardless of timetables?
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/06/22/star-trek-writers-alex-kurtzman-and-roberto-orci-consider-the-sequel/