Gareth Edwards has officially stepped away from directing the sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth. The filmmaker departed the Universal project over creative differences, according to sources familiar with the production. This type of behind-the-scenes shift is not unprecedented for the series. Studio insiders note that the franchise has historically ebbed and flowed with different filmmakers at the helm. David Leitch was previously attached to direct Rebirth but eventually left the project over similar issues regarding creative direction. Despite the change at the helm, the studio has moved swiftly to keep the sequel on track.
The first Rebirth film arrived in theaters last year and grossed $869 million globally. That financial success demonstrated that there is still plenty of life left in the dinosaur gene pool. The involvement of stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey contributed heavily to that momentum, as did having a filmmaker capable of weaving his way around a monster movie. All three actors are expected to return for the follow-up, though scheduling details are currently being ironed out. David Koepp, the scribe who returned for the first film, is also back to write the script for the upcoming installment.
Rebirth served as the fourth entry in the Jurassic World saga and the seventh movie in the broader Jurassic timeline. It ranks as one of Universal’s most important properties, a status largely driven by the stewardship of Steven Spielberg and producer Frank Marshall. These two have remained the constants throughout the franchise's history, maintaining a heavy hand in its development. For them and the studio, the core mission—or "north star"—has always been depicting dinosaurs in the modern world, balancing elements of wonder with sheer terror.
Universal offered a brief comment on the transition.
"We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth."
— Universal
Plot details for the sequel are currently being kept in the Barbasol can, and it remains unclear exactly what the creative differences entailed. It remains to be seen where Edwards will land next, though speculation suggests he might move toward projects that are more creator-driven. His immediate previous work before the dinosaur blockbuster was the original feature The Creator.
Frequently asked questions
Who will direct the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
The studio has not announced a replacement for Gareth Edwards, but David Koepp is back to write the script.
Why did Gareth Edwards leave the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
Edwards departed the project over creative differences, according to sources familiar with the production.
Will Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali return for the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
Yes, the actors are expected to return for the follow-up, though scheduling details are currently being ironed out.
What was the global box office gross for the first Jurassic World Rebirth film?
The first Rebirth film grossed $869 million globally.
