A few weeks back, Roberto Orci parted ways with ‘Star Trek 3,’ leaving the director’s chair vacant. While rumors about the reasons for Orci’s departure abounded (the script, clashes with Paramount), there was a much bigger concern: Who would step up to direct the third ‘Star Trek’ film, which is scheduled for release next year during the original series’ 50th anniversary? The answer is ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise director Justin Lin.

Deadline reports that Lin, who was on a shortlist of replacement directors (alongside names like Rupert Wyatt and Duncan Jones), has officially been tapped to helm the third installment of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. Lin, who is currently directing the first two episodes of ‘True Detective’ season 2, is best known for helming several of the ‘Fast and Furious’ films. He was also set to direct the next ‘Bourne’ film starring Jeremy Renner, which was delayed when Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass announced their return to the franchise.

Lin’s work on the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise arguably delivered the best films in the series (is that even an argument, really?), and he quickly became one of the most exciting directors to watch. Without Lin’s skills and vision, the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise might have stalled out, which might be one of the main reasons why Paramount sought him out to replace Orci on ‘Star Trek 3.’

The exact reasons for Orci’s departure remain vague, although he’s maintained that he’s staying on as a producer for ‘Star Trek 3,’ and will still be very much involved. Orci has also denied rumors about the troubled script for the film, which was said to have revolved around a race for a time travel device, which the Vulcans want so they can go back and prevent the destruction of their planet. That rumored synopsis would have effectively served as a reboot for the franchise.

‘Star Trek 3' is currently scheduled for release in 2016.

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