Gareth Edwards Not Returning For Next ‘Jurassic World’ Movie

Universal and Amblin are gearing up for the next installment in the Jurassic World franchise, but sources tell Deadline that they will be in need of new director as Gareth Edwards will not be returning for the sequel.

Insiders say the decision was made due to creative differences, and Edwards will now focus on other original projects he is developing. The studio is opening up the search for a new director.

The studio released a statement Thursday saying, “We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth.”

Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali are expected to return for the next pic, with the hope to shoot in 2027. David Koepp penned the most recent draft of the script.

The Jurassic franchise has always evolved with different filmmakers and cast over the years;there have been five different core groups of actors/directors over seven movies to date. What has remained consistent are the core architects, Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall, and the movies delivering for audience.

Universal and Amblin successfully relaunched the franchise in 2025 with Jurassic World Rebirth, with Johansson, Bailey and Ali leading the new film and Edwards directing. The film was a big hit, grossing $872 million worldwide including $340 million domestically.

We will tell you more as the directing search unfolds.