Jurassic World Rebirth Sequel Targets Previous Franchise Director

Universal Pictures may be looking backward as it plans the next chapter of the Jurassic World franchise. Director J.A. Bayona is at the top of the studio’s wishlist to direct the untitled sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth, according to a writer at The Hollywood Reporter. The report followed a rumor from The InSneider. Bayona previously directed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the 2018 sequel that brought back Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film earned $1.3 billion worldwide, though critics were divided. It holds a 47% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The move comes after Gareth Edwards, director of Jurassic World Rebirth, reportedly left the follow-up. Universal has not confirmed that Bayona has received a formal offer. Still, the studio appears willing to bring back a filmmaker with experience handling the franchise’s dinosaurs, action, and darker tone. The Indoraptor prepares to strike in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Welcome to “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” Bayona directed The Impossible and A Monster Calls befor...