J.A. Bayona Emerges as Frontrunner for Jurassic World Rebirth Sequel
J.A. Bayona is Universal's top pick to direct the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel after Gareth Edwards exited over creative differences.
J.A. Bayona has emerged as the top candidate at Universal Pictures to direct the sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bayona is not yet in formal talks with the studio about the project.
The director's chair opened after Gareth Edwards left the sequel over creative differences. Universal has a script by returning writer David Koepp.
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey are expected to return, subject to schedules. Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall remain involved as producers.
Bayona's Jurassic History
Bayona is no stranger to the franchise: in 2018, he directed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. More recently, Jurassic World Rebirth grossed $869 million in 2025.
Beyond the dinosaur series, Bayona directed the 2012 Oscar-nominated film The Impossible, the first two episodes of Amazon's The Rings of Power, and the Netflix drama Society of the Snow.
Quick answers
Who is directing the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
J.A. Bayona has emerged as the top candidate at Universal, though he is not yet in formal talks. Gareth Edwards previously left the project over creative differences.
Who is writing the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
David Koepp, who wrote Jurassic World Rebirth, is returning to write the script.
Will Scarlett Johansson return for the Jurassic World Rebirth sequel?
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey are expected to return, subject to schedules.