Universal Pictures Sets Sights on 2025 for Jurassic World Reboot, Eyes David Leitch as Director
In an ambitious move to rejuvenate the iconic "Jurassic World" franchise, Universal Pictures has unveiled plans for a new installment set to premiere in 2025. This revelation comes hot on the heels of the news that David Koepp, the original "Jurassic Park" writer, is diligently crafting a script for the upcoming film. Adding to the excitement, Universal is reportedly in preliminary discussions with David Leitch, renowned for his directorial prowess in hits like "John Wick" and "Deadpool 2," to lead this colossal project.
David Leitch, whose directorial vision has previously aligned with Universal on the commercially successful "Fast & Furious" spin-off "Hobbs & Shaw," is now potentially gearing up to helm the seventh entry in the "Jurassic" saga. Despite not having officially signed on, the momentum behind these talks suggests an agreement may soon materialize, especially considering the film's announced release date of July 2, 2025. This timeline indicates an impressively rapid development phase for a blockbuster of this magnitude, hinting at significant behind-the-scenes progress.
The legendary Steven Spielberg, whose directorial genius brought the original "Jurassic Park" and its sequel "The Lost World" to life, is set to executive produce the new film. He will be joined by a team of producers including Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Kelly McCormick, and potentially Leitch himself. Oversight for the project will be managed by Sara Scott and Jacqueline Garell from Universal, ensuring the franchise's legacy is in capable hands.
Yet, as the project takes shape, details about the casting and storyline remain shrouded in mystery. Speculation abounds that the new film will introduce a fresh cast of characters, embarking on a "new Jurassic era" devoid of previous protagonists such as Chris Pratt's Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard's Claire Dearing. Likewise, it appears unlikely that stars from the original "Jurassic Park" series, including Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, will reprise their roles. The temporal setting of the movie, whether it follows the events of 2022's "Jurassic World Dominion" or charts a new course, is yet another intriguing question left unanswered.
Universal Pictures' motivation for fast-tracking the "Jurassic World" reboot is clear. The franchise has proven to be a cinematic juggernaut, amassing over $6 billion in global box office receipts to date, with "Dominion" alone surpassing the $1 billion milestone even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. The allure of extending this lucrative series, coupled with the potential for additional merchandise and related revenue streams, is undeniable.
David Leitch's involvement would mark a strategic shift in Universal's approach to the franchise. Unlike the 2015 reboot of "Jurassic World," which was helmed by Colin Trevorrow, a newcomer to blockbuster directing at the time, Leitch brings a solid track record of successful action films. With titles like "The Fall Guy" awaiting release and several other projects in the pipeline, including the acclaimed "Atomic Blonde" and "Bullet Train," Leitch's potential direction of the "Jurassic World" reboot promises a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh vision.
As Universal Pictures embarks on this daring endeavor to revive the "Jurassic World" saga, fans and industry watchers alike are left eagerly anticipating further details. With a targeted 2025 release date and a commitment to steering the franchise into new territories, the studio is poised to unleash a new era of prehistoric adventure. As negotiations with David Leitch progress and the project's contours become clearer, the anticipation for this next chapter in the "Jurassic" legacy only continues to grow, promising a thrilling addition to one of cinema's most beloved and enduring franchises.