Jurassic World is undergoing a change in directorship as Universal and David Leitch go their separate ways. Gareth Edwards, known for directing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will take the reins for the highly anticipated Jurassic World 4.
The upcoming installment of Jurassic World is slated for a 2025 debut. With the latest release, Jurassic World Dominion, hitting screens on June 10, 2022, fans have a three-year wait before the next chapter. Casting details are yet to be disclosed, and production has not commenced, raising concerns given the impending release date. However, the recent development confirms Edwards as the director.
Gareth Edwards to Direct Jurassic World 4
Edwards and Universal Pictures are in discussions regarding the upcoming Jurassic World installment. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Edwards has been entrusted with steering the much-anticipated dinosaur movie. This decision comes after reports suggesting that David Leitch was initially set to direct the project. The split between Leitch and Universal Pictures stemmed from differing creative visions. Leitch has a history with the studio, having collaborated on projects like Atomic Blonde, The Fast & The Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and the upcoming action-comedy The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
Edwards confirmed his new venture during Collider's FYC Event for The Creator, hosted by Steve Weintraub. He expressed:
Movie critic Jeff Sneider commended Universal's selection of Edwards to direct the next Jurassic World installment during a recent episode of The Hot Mic podcast. Sneider endorsed Edwards, citing his ability to deliver high-quality outcomes within limited budgets and tight schedules.
Getting to Know Gareth Edwards
Gareth Edwards, an English writer, director, and cinematographer, is renowned for his contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres. His directorial debut in the 2010 sci-fi horror film Monsters garnered acclaim for its innovative genre approach and remarkable visual effects achieved on a modest budget.
Following the success of Monsters, Edwards helmed the 2014 reboot of the Godzilla series. His work on the blockbuster Godzilla showcased his distinct visual style, capturing the grandeur and spectacle of the iconic creature while infusing human drama into the narrative. Edwards also ventured into the Star Wars realm, directing the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story featuring Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, James Earl Jones, and Donnie Yen, among others.
Most recently, Edwards wrote and directed the original sci-fi feature, The Creator. While the film did not achieve significant critical or commercial success, it underscored Edwards' knack for making lower-budget productions appear more lavish. The Creator was crafted for around $80 million but presented a higher production value.
Why Gareth Edwards is the Ideal Pick for Jurassic World 4
While not the initial choice for Jurassic World 4, Edwards undeniably possesses the qualifications for the role. His readiness to lead, coupled with his experience and skills, make him a fitting candidate. With a track record in managing large-scale projects like Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Edwards is well-equipped to handle the magnitude of franchises such as Jurassic World. His adeptness at harmonizing action-packed sequences with engaging narratives is pivotal for a film like Jurassic World, where thrilling dinosaur encounters must coexist with compelling human stories.
Besides his directing and writing prowess, Edwards is recognized for his proficiency in visual effects. His background includes work on visual effects for programs aired on PBS, BBC, and the Discovery Channel. Edwards thrives on challenges, exemplified by his victory in the 2008 sci-fi London 48-hour film challenge, where he produced a film from scratch in just two days. His ability to deliver top-tier work under tight deadlines was further demonstrated when he wrote, directed, and shot his debut feature Monsters in a mere three weeks. Despite a minimal crew of five, the film, starring real-life couple Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able, resonated positively at the Southwest festival and achieved success upon its release by Vertigo Films.
Edwards exhibits profound respect for the franchises he engages with, honoring their legacies while injecting fresh perspectives. This approach preserves the essence of the original projects while introducing novel and captivating elements to audiences. His indie filmmaking background showcases his creativity and innovative thinking. Edwards' innate creativity promises to rejuvenate the Jurassic World series.
In essence, Gareth Edwards' wealth of blockbuster experience, visual finesse, narrative acumen, reverence for source material, and creative ingenuity position him as an exceptional choice to steer Jurassic World 4 towards an exhilarating and unforgettable addition to the beloved dinosaur franchise.
Jurassic World 4 is set to premiere on July 2, 2025.