Director Gareth Edwards, who brought dinosaurs back to the big screen with 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth, will not return for the follow-up film. The filmmaker has left the project due to creative differences, leaving Universal Pictures searching for a new director to steer the next chapter of the dinosaur franchise.
Edwards was expected to return after successfully rebooting the series with Rebirth, which earned $872 million worldwide. But sources confirm the director has stepped away, and the studio is now looking for a replacement.
The Reason Behind Edwards Departure From Jurassic World Rebirth Sequel
According to multiple reports, Edwards exited the sequel over creative differences with the studio. Universal released a statement acknowledging the split while praising the director’s work on the previous film.
“We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth.” – Universal Pictures spokesperson
The director, known for Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and The Creator, will now focus on developing original projects. This is not the first time Edwards has left a franchise after one film. He previously stepped away from the Godzilla sequel, King of the Monsters, in what was described as an amicable split.
What This Means for the Jurassic World Rebirth Sequel
Despite the director change, the sequel remains on track. Universal is moving forward with production and has already begun searching for a new director.
The studio hopes to start shooting in 2027. Screenwriter David Koepp, who wrote the original Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Rebirth, has already completed the script for the follow-up.
Returning Cast Members
The main cast from Jurassic World Rebirth is expected to return for the sequel. Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey will reprise their roles.
Johansson played Zora Bennett, a covert ops expert, while Bailey portrayed paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis in the 2025 film. Their return ensures continuity for the franchise even with a new director at the helm.
Jurassic World Rebirth Box Office Success
The 2025 film was a major success for Universal. Jurassic World Rebirth earned $872 million globally, including $340 million from domestic theaters. The movie introduced a new cast and a fresh storyline, successfully rebooting the franchise after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with Dominion in 2022.
The film’s strong performance guaranteed that Universal would move forward with another installment. The studio has a history of investing heavily in the franchise, with production budgets often exceeding $250 million.
Franchise History of Director Changes
Directors coming and going is nothing new for the Jurassic franchise. Since Steven Spielberg directed the original Jurassic Park in 1993, the series has seen multiple filmmakers take the helm.
Spielberg directed the first two films before Joe Johnston took over for Jurassic Park III in 2001. Colin Trevorrow launched the Jurassic World trilogy in 2015, with J.A. Bayona directing Fallen Kingdom before Trevorrow returned for Dominion.
Edwards was brought on to direct Rebirth after David Leitch exited the project over creative differences. Leitch, known for Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train, was in negotiations but ultimately decided to pursue original projects instead.
What Stays the Same
While directors have changed over the years, some things remain constant. Steven Spielberg continues to serve as executive producer through Amblin Entertainment, and Frank Marshall has produced every film in the franchise since the beginning.
The sequel will be the eighth installment in the Jurassic franchise overall and the fifth in the Jurassic World series.
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What Happens Next
Universal is actively searching for a new director to replace Edwards. With David Koepp’s script already written and the main cast expected to return, the studio hopes to keep production on schedule for a 2027 start.
The search for a director is underway, and the studio is expected to make an announcement once a replacement is found.
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