8. JJ Abrams
It is still possible. It is just not probable. I don't think there is any real doubt as to why we would want him to have the job or why he probably won't get to do it. The crux of this ever happening is essentially the release date Paramount have set for Star Trek 3. Reports are saying that Paramount are eager not to have a 4 year gap between Into Darkness and the next sequel in the franchise, citing 2015 to 2016 at a push. 2015 is an impossibility for Abrams as he will be filming and trying to get Star Wars Episode VII out by then. For the second, let's just assume Star Wars will come out 2015, despite reports that Disney have given Abrams more time to get the film rolling. If Abrams finished Episode VII by the end of next year,there is a possibility that if he moved fast he could get Star Trek out in 2016. However, if Paramount were more interested in locking down Abrams and letting the franchise take another four year gap, then there is little to no reason why he couldn't get it filmed and in cinemas by Summer of 2017. Of course though, this is assuming Abrams wants to do another space adventure straight after tackling Star Wars. I don't doubt he loves the series and the cast he has assembled but the question of whether the enthusiasm would be there straight after such a massive undertaking. That I can only speculate on, but the fact that he hasn't ruled himself out the race yet entirely, and that he will at least produce is encouraging.
Pros: Tried and Tested, One of the biggest directors out there, Clearly loves the franchise he has crafted
Cons: Star Wars, Paramount release date, Star Wars, Possible burn out on space adventures, Star Wars
Grade: C-