J.J. Abrams isn't directing next 'Trek,' but will be involved

J.J. Abrams isn't going to run off and leave his "Star Trek" franchise high and dry.

The director has confirmed that he won't lead the charge on a third "Star Trek" film, but he tells StarTrek.com that he will be involved in both the creation of the story and its production.

"Obviously, it matters very much to me, having been there from the very beginning of this incarnation," Abrams, who's directed both 2009's "Star Trek" and this year's "Star Trek Into Darkness," told the website. "The next step is a critical thing. I did not work on two movies in a row to run off and not participate. So, my involvement is real. My involvement is emotional. It’s not just the actors I want to make sure are on a solid footing, but it’s the characters, too."

That said, Abrams will have to take a step back from the franchise in order to make room in his schedule for other projects - like the next installment in another beloved, behemoth film series, "Star Wars." The busy exec is planning to relocate to London at the end of the year to work on "Star Wars: Episode VII," which is scheduled for a 2015 release.

Making room for a new director on the next "Star Trek" is nonetheless "a little bittersweet," Abrams told Collider.

"Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands," he continued. "I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing. I certainly don’t want someone to come in and try to do what I would have done. We want to hire someone who’s going to come in and bring their own sensibility. I’m very excited to see what comes next, despite feeling jealous of whomever that person is."

Hmm - any suggestions on who should step and fill Abrams' place?