With Star Wars: Episode VII taking longer in the pre-production process than anyone expected, its almost a certainty that Star Trek 3 will have a new director. While no one has signed on yet, Paramount is chomping at the bit to possibly get this sequel into theaters by 2015. We've heard a rumor that Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt is the top choice.

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Now, J.J. Abrams, director of 2009's Star Trek and this past summer's Star Trek Into Darkness, has gone on record, endorsing this decision. Though he doesn't confirm anything, revealing that they need to figure out the fundamentals of the story before they can make an offer for someone to direct.

Here's what he told Hitfix about the prospects of hiring Rupert Wyatt.

"I know Rupert and he's incredibly talented, and we'd be lucky to have someone as talented as Rupert. But there are things we're focusing on right now before the director, which is just sort of the fundamentals of where the story is gonna go."

He then confirmed that the plot will pick up right where Star Trek Into Darkness ended, with the crew of the USS Enterprise setting out on its 5 year mission to boldly go where no man has gone before.

"I plan to be involved in the story, and producing the film. I feel very blessed to be involved at all. This film ends with the beginning of the five-year mission, so we would be following that. It's too early to be discussing details, but there are some really exciting ideas about what comes next."