Having just been signed on to direct Star Wars Episode VII yesterday, Paramount Pictures announced yesterday that J.J. Abrams will remain a part of the Star Trek universe by confirming that he will stay on as producer for Star Trek III, according to the LA Times. The report also says that he is on board as producer for Mission: Impossible V.

The announcement pretty much confirms that Abrams won’t be back to direct Star Trek III.

Paramount Vice Chairman Rob Moore said, “J.J. will continue to develop projects for us including a new “˜Mission: Impossible,’ and he is committed to produce another “˜Star Trek.'”

Abrams had directed Mission: Impossible III, but handed off the fourth entry of the franchise to Brad Bird, which ended up being a hit. So it should be interesting to see who Paramount chooses to direct Star Trek III and if Abrams agrees with their choice.

Directed by Abrams, Star Trek Into Darkness opens in theaters and IMAX 3D on May 17, 2013. The sequel stars Chris Pine, John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and Anton Yelchin. Joining them will be Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Eve.

Star Wars Episode VII, written by Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Ardnt, will hit theaters sometime in 2015.

So now that we know that Abrams won’t be back for Star Trek III, we’d like to know who you think should be up for the job?

[Source: The LA Times]