John D. Payne

John D. Payne (born 1980's), or J.D. Payne, is an American screenwriter.

His work in on-screen features began with Star Trek Beyond (2016), as an uncredited writer. He had been selected to screenwrite for its sequel before its cancellation by Paramount in early 2019.

Payne and his long-time writing partner Patrick McKay were chosen to head the screenwriting for one or two opening episodes of the Middle-earth series by Amazon Studios, coming 2020, with J.A. Bayona directing. The two are also working on an upcoming Flash Gordon film remake directed by Matthew Vaughn, and on Disney's upcoming Jungle Cruise.