Universal and Amblin are searching for a new director for the next Jurassic World film after Gareth Edwards confirmed he will not return for the sequel, according to sources cited by Deadline. The move matters because it comes as the studio was hoping to keep momentum going following the successful 2025 franchise relaunch, and it means finding a replacement before production can proceed towards a targeted 2027 shoot.

Insiders attribute Edwards' exit to creative differences, and he is now said to be focusing on his own original projects. Universal issued a statement praising its work with Edwards on Jurassic World Rebirth, which grossed $872 million worldwide, including $340 million domestically. Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali are expected to reprise their roles, with David Koepp having written the most recent script draft; Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall remain the franchise's constant creative overseers despite the revolving cast and directors across its seven films.