Gareth Edwards is departing as director of Universal’s upcoming sequel to “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the studio confirmed. The filmmaker’s exit stems from creative differences on the project, which follows the 2025 reboot that generated $870 million in worldwide box office revenue.
The original film starred Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey in a narrative centered on a classified mission to obtain dinosaur DNA for pharmaceutical purposes. Screenwriter David Koepp is expected to continue in his role for the sequel, with the three lead actors also anticipated to return. Universal has indicated production could commence in 2027, though a new director will need to be identified.
The departure comes as the “Jurassic” franchise navigates shifting box office dynamics. While the previous installment proved commercially successful, the property has shown some decline compared to earlier entries. The preceding trilogy, featuring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, consisted of three films that each surpassed $1 billion in global ticket sales. However, these productions typically require substantial budgets exceeding $250 million.
The planned sequel will represent the eighth film in the “Jurassic” saga, which began with Steven Spielberg’s 1993 adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel. Spielberg also directed the 1997 sequel “The Lost World,” while Joe Johnston helmed 2001’s “Jurassic Park III.” Edwards brings experience from films including “Godzilla,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and “The Creator.”
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