With Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams committed to Star Wars: Episode VII, set for release in 2015, there has already been talk of who will direct Star Trek 3, after the filmmaker's recent statement that there will likely be a new director if Paramount keeps pushing for a 2016 release date. Today, we have word that G.I. Joe Retaliation director Jon M. Chu is at the top of the list to take over this sci-fi franchise.

Back in May, we reported that Joe Cornish, who made his feature directorial debut with 2011's Attack the Block, was one of the numerous contenders up for the job, with Justin Lin and Brad Bird also rumored as possible replacements for J.J. Abrams.

Jon M. Chu was confirmed to return for G.I. Joe 3 in June, another Paramount project that the studio wants to put on the fast track. If Jon M. Chu does end up committing to Star Trek 3, he may have to drop G.I. Joe 3, or possibly shoot both projects back-to-back.

Nothing has been confirmed regarding the story for Star Trek 3, but writer Damon Lindelof teased in May that the plot may revolve around the Klingons.