Gareth Edwards exits as director of the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel
Gareth Edwards has left the sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth after a dispute with Universal Pictures, the studio confirmed this week, leaving the franchise searching for its sixth director since 1993.
TL;DR
- Gareth Edwards has exited the in-development Jurassic World Rebirth sequel over creative differences with Universal.
- Stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali are still expected to return, though scheduling is being finalised.
- Screenwriter David Koepp, who wrote the original 1993 Jurassic Park, remains attached to the new script.
- Universal is searching for a replacement director, with filming still targeted for 2027.
What happened
Gareth Edwards, director of 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth, will not return for the follow-up, according to Variety. He departed before cameras were due to roll on the sequel.
Universal confirmed the exit in a brief statement. “We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth,” the studio said, according to Empire. Empire also reports that Edwards’ successor will become the sixth director to helm a mainline Jurassic film in the franchise’s 33-year history.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
©2017 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
Why Edwards left
Sources cited by Deadline point to creative differences as the reason for the split. Reportedly, Edwards is now expected to focus on original projects he already has in development.
Exactly what those differences involved hasn’t been confirmed, according to Hollywood Reporter reporting via ComicBookMovie. It’s a bit of déjà vu for the franchise: Edwards himself replaced David Koepp‘s original collaborator, director David Leitch, who left Rebirth over similar disagreements with the studio before shooting began.
What’s next for the franchise
Koepp is staying on to write the sequel, and Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali are all expected to return, though the Hollywood Reporter notes their schedules are still being worked out. Universal and Amblin are aiming to start shooting in 2027.
No director has been named, but early speculation floated by SlashFilm has pointed to Jurassic World alum Bryce Dallas Howard as a possible fit — nothing has been confirmed.
~$872 million — worldwide box office for Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) Source: SlashFilm
It’s not the only creature feature in the works this year, either — Sony is developing Skeletons, a separate monster movie starring Brie Larson.
Universal Pictures
UK release and streaming
UK fans wanting a rewatch before the sequel takes shape can already do so at home. Jurassic World Rebirth is available to rent or buy digitally in the UK on Amazon Prime Video and Sky Store, according to Tech Advisor.
Reported from publicly available interviews and verified press sources. Last reviewed August 8, 2026.
Lewis Calvert Founder & Editor, BriefLedger
Lewis founded BriefLedger and has six years of experience covering film, TV, and entertainment news. He leads the site’s Movies and TV sections and runs the news desk — always with a straight-talking British take.
