Jurassic World 5 is looking for a new director after Gareth Edwards‘ shocking departure. The Jurassic Park franchise should turn to one of its former stars to step behind the camera.
Universal needs a new director in the Jurassic Park franchise. Edwards has exited the follow-up to Jurassic World Rebirth. Edwards was expected to return, but he has now left the project due to “creative differences.”
“We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth,” Universal said in a statement via The Hollywood Reporter.
In 2025, Universal released Jurassic World Rebirth, a soft reboot of the Jurassic World franchise. The film starred Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. Directed by Edward and penned by Jurassic Park scribe Steven Koepp, Jurassic World Rebirth became a hit for the studio, grossing $872 million worldwide.
Rebirth’s success led to Universal working quickly to set up a sequel, with Koepp writing the script. Johansson, Bailey, and Ali are expected to return, though the cast has not been finalized. Universal is hoping to shoot Jurassic World 5 in 2027.
The search for a new director is now on. Would the franchise try to bring back Steven Spielberg? It’s doubtful he would do it at this point in his career. Perhaps they turn to Colin Trevorrow or J.A. Bayona, two filmmakers who previously directed Jurassic World films. However, Universal should pivot to one of its former stars and hire Bryce Dallas Howard to direct Jurassic World 5.
Bryce Dallas Howard has already proved she can handle Jurassic World 5
Universal is unlikely to take a risk on a director with no track record with blockbusters or franchise experience. Howard starred in three Jurassic World movies, so she knows exactly what it takes to make one of these dinosaur epics.
Howard is not a rookie director at this point. The actress has directed several documentaries, including Dads and Pets. However, her experience in a galaxy far, far away has positioned her to level up and tackle a blockbuster.
Howard is quickly becoming a reliable director for Disney+’s Star Wars shows. Howard has helmed episodes of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Tales of the Jedi, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Star Wars television episodes are designed to look and feel cinematic. Howard has a good understanding of size and scope, two requirements that a director must understand for a Jurassic Park movie.
A woman has never directed a Jurassic Park movie. Why not let one of the former stars become the first to do it? Between her familiarity with the franchise and her experience working for Lucasfilm, Howard is more than qualified to direct Jurassic World 5, and she’s earned the right to be one of the studio’s top choices.
