5. Duncan Jones
If I was the head of Paramount, this is who I would be lobbying for. Duncan Jones is a unique talent and is one of my most beloved directors. After reinvigorating a more 1970s feel for Sci-fi with Moon, I have no doubt that Jones could make a compelling Star Trek film. While detractors might say that Moon is hardly transferable to a film in the Trek franchise, I don't hink you have to look much further than his follow up Source Code to see that he is capable of bright, flashy entertainment with an emotional and intelligent core. That is the thing Star Trek is begging for and needs to continue on with in the event of Abrams departure. He is a more than competent sci-fi director and one I would get giddy at seeing take over the Trek universe. There is the small matter of World of Warcraft though. Not so long ago, Duncan Jones signed up to direct the World of Warcraft movie to much confusion and to my delight. That franchise has a place in my heart and it was, of course, exciting to see a director I am deeply passionate for take up the reigns. Even if I, like many others fail to 'see' the film that he will hopefully end up making. World of Warcraft has been in and out of production for years, with Sam Raimi attached at one point before he failed to match up to what Blizzard wanted for the movie. If there are no bumps in the road and they go into production early enough, there is no reason why Jones couldn't take on Star Trek after. My only worry is that Warcraft sounds like a complex project and one I could see dragging out for a few years. Also, Jones has been in the conversation for multiple sequels to established franchises in the past and he has always seemed a little reluctant to take on the job. Perhaps Star Trek is just a big enough franchise to see him take on, but again, I think the trajectory of WoW is going to have a lot to say on the matter.
Pros: Passion for Sci-Fi, Exciting young director, Seemingly great fit for franchise, Geek favorite, Always in the conversation to take over franchises.
Cons: World of Warcraft, Seems less inclined to take on sequels.
Grade: B-