Gareth Edwards is out! Search on for a new director for Jurassic World 5
Filming is scheduled to begin next year
The future of the "Jurassic World" franchise is taking an unexpected turn. Although "Jurassic World: Rebirth" was a huge success at the box office, director Gareth Edwards will no longer be directing the next installment of the dinosaur saga. The search for a new director for "Jurassic World 5" is in full swing.
According to Deadline magazine, there were apparently creative differences behind the scenes between Edwards and Universal Pictures. In a brief statement, the studio said that the collaboration had nonetheless been an exceptionally positive experience.
As for the cast, however, everything remains the same. According to the latest information, Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali will once again take on the lead roles. David Koepp, who wrote the screenplays for "Rebirth" as well as "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic Park: The Lost World", will be responsible for the screenplay. Filming is set to begin next year, though a release date has not yet been announced.
An Overview of the Previous Films in the Jurassic Series
For more than three decades, the "Jurassic" series has been one of the world's most successful film franchises. What began in 1993 with Steven Spielberg's groundbreaking "Jurassic Park" has evolved into a series of seven feature films that have repeatedly reimagined the theme of dinosaurs – sometimes as adventure films, sometimes as disaster epics. The films are originally based on the novels by Michael Crichton and combine scientific visions with the dangers of human hubris. Over the years, the series has changed significantly without losing its central idea: dinosaurs and humans are not a good combination.
Jurassic Park (1993)
With "Jurassic Park", Steven Spielberg created a film that is still considered a milestone in blockbuster cinema. The story of a theme park filled with genetically reconstructed dinosaurs captivated audiences not only with its thrilling plot but, above all, with its revolutionary special effects. In addition to the spectacular creatures, the film impressed audiences with its characters, its atmosphere, and the iconic music by John Williams. "Jurassic Park" was far more than just a monster movie – it raised the question of whether scientific progress without moral responsibility inevitably leads to disaster. To this day, many fans consider the first installment to be unmatched.
Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997)
Four years later, Spielberg returned with "Jurassic Park: The Lost World". Instead of focusing on an amusement park again, the film shifted the action to a second island where the dinosaurs roam freely in the wild. This gave the sequel a significantly darker and rougher tone.
This time, the focus is on Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, who was already one of the most popular characters in the first film. The sequel places greater emphasis on action and spectacular chase scenes, including the famous T-Rex sequence set in a major city. Although the film never achieved the cult status of its predecessor, it is now regarded by many fans as an underrated adventure film.
Jurassic Park 3 (2001)
"Jurassic Park 3" initially marked the end of the original trilogy. Steven Spielberg served only as a producer, while Joe Johnston took over as director. The film is significantly shorter and focuses almost entirely on a survival adventure on the island of Isla Sorna. Particularly notable is the introduction of new dinosaur species, most notably the Spinosaurus, which at times replaces the Tyrannosaurus Rex as the greatest threat. In terms of plot, the third installment is considered to have a comparatively simple structure, yet many viewers still appreciate it today for its fast pace and consistent sense of adventure.
Jurassic World (2015)
After a long hiatus, the series was rebooted in 2015 with "Jurassic World". Director Colin Trevorrow ushered the franchise into a modern blockbuster era. The dream from the first film has now become a reality: a fully operational dinosaur theme park attracts millions of visitors.
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard take on the lead roles and represent the new face of the series. At the same time, the film deliberately plays on nostalgia and revisits numerous themes from the original. However, the focus is on a new conflict: genetically engineered hybrid dinosaurs and the increasing commercialization of scientific achievements. "Jurassic World" became a massive box office hit worldwide and proved that the franchise still holds enormous appeal in the 21st century.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
The second installment of the new trilogy took an unusual turn. While the first half is once again set on an island, the film later evolves into a blend of disaster movie, thriller, and gothic horror. Director J. A. Bayona brought significantly more suspense and visual darkness to the series. At the same time, "Fallen Kingdom" significantly expands the universe by having dinosaurs no longer exist only on remote islands but increasingly enter the human world. This step laid the groundwork for the events of the next film.
Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
"Jurassic World: Dominion" brings together the characters from the original "Jurassic Park" films with the heroes of the "Jurassic World" series for the first time. Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum return together and join forces with the characters played by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film is set in a world where dinosaurs are already widespread across the entire planet. As a result, the focus shifts from an isolated struggle for survival to a global threat. The finale of the trilogy features big-budget action, numerous dinosaur species, and the nostalgic appeal of reuniting with the original characters.
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)
"Jurassic World: Rebirth" ultimately marked the beginning of a new phase for the franchise. The film tells a largely standalone story with new main characters and is only loosely connected to the previous films. Instead of putting familiar characters back in the spotlight, the film attempts to revive the feel of classic adventure movies while laying the groundwork for a new trilogy.
A Series in Transition
The evolution of the "Jurassic" films clearly illustrates how blockbuster cinema has changed over the decades. The original "Jurassic Park" trilogy focused primarily on suspense, adventure, and scientific fascination. The "Jurassic World" films, on the other hand, placed greater emphasis on spectacle, global threats, and modern franchise storytelling. Despite varying quality and a succession of directors, however, the core idea remains remarkably consistent: Humans believe they can control nature – and are repeatedly proven wrong. It is precisely this timeless message that is likely a key reason why the "Jurassic" series continues to thrill millions of viewers even after more than 30 years.
