Star Trek 3 Hires Three Writers

'Star Trek 3' has hired three screenwriters.

Roberto Orci - who co-wrote the first two J.J. Abrams-directed films with writing partner Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof - will return to pen the script for the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster and he will be joined by franchise newcomers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Payne and McKay have some history with Abrams, who will produce the next instalment of the franchise but not direct, as they scripted 'Boilerplate', another film Abrams will produce.

There is currently no timeline for the third film, but Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions are hoping to release it in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 'Star Trek'.

Stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana are all expected to return.

Abrams gave up the director's chair earlier this year after he committed to direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII' for Disney.

Producers are eyeing 'Attack of the Block' director Joe Cornish for the next feature.

The film's release would follow the huge success of 'Star Trek Into Darkness', which grossed $476 million at the box office earlier this year.