Director Gareth Edwards Exits ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Sequel Amid Creative Clash With Universal

Director Gareth Edwards has exited Universal Pictures’ upcoming Jurassic World Rebirth sequel, forcing the studio to accelerate its search for a new filmmaker before production begins in the coming months. Reports attribute the split to creative differences between Edwards and the studio, marking another major directorial shake-up for the long-running franchise.

Edwards directed 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth, which revitalized the blockbuster dinosaur series. Although critics gave the film mixed reviews, audiences embraced it, helping the movie earn about $869 million worldwide and launch a planned new trilogy.

Universal Pictures confirmed Edwards’ departure in a brief statement but did not explain the reasons behind the decision or reveal who will replace him.

“We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth,”the studio said.

Despite the change behind the camera, Universal continues to move the sequel forward. The studio hopes to reunite the main cast from Jurassic World Rebirth, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, although it is still finalizing their schedules.

Screenwriter David Koepp, who wrote the original Jurassic Park (1993) and returned for Jurassic World Rebirth, will continue writing the sequel.

The franchise has faced similar challenges before. Before Edwards signed on to direct Jurassic World Rebirth, filmmaker David Leitch entered negotiations with Universal but ultimately left the project over creative differences. At the time, the studio had already completed much of the film’s pre-production.

Universal has not announced a replacement director or shared new story details for the sequel, which remains on track for a 2027 release. With production expected to begin soon, the studio now faces mounting pressure to secure a new director quickly.

Even so, Universal remains committed to expanding the new storyline introduced in Jurassic World Rebirth. The studio plans to build on the film’s fresh ensemble cast while continuing one of Hollywood’s most successful blockbuster franchises.

As Gareth Edwards steps away, attention now turns to Universal’s next move—and to the filmmaker who will lead the next chapter of the Jurassic World saga.