Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson star in “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the latest installment of the beloved dinosaur franchise now playing in theaters. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film is a testament to childhood dreams coming true, as Edwards fulfills his lifelong ambition of working alongside the legendary Steven Spielberg, who directed the original “Jurassic Park.” Spielberg’s involvement in the project has led Edwards to infuse the film with numerous nostalgic elements, paying homage to the iconic director’s earlier works.
Edwards, who first gained widespread recognition with “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” has a knack for directing major blockbusters that resonate both commercially and creatively. His latest endeavor, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” follows decades after the events of “Jurassic World Dominion.” The story, penned by original “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp, features Scarlett Johansson as the leader of a team tasked with retrieving genetic material from dinosaurs on a remote island research facility.
Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream
For Edwards, directing “Jurassic World Rebirth” was more than just another project; it was a dream come true. “I hate the word IP, but there are only two franchises I would absolutely drop everything for and just do them. I already did one of them with ‘Star Wars,’ and this was the other one,” Edwards shared in an interview with Business Insider. “The idea that you turn Steven Spielberg down is impossible.”
The film’s production was marked by extensive collaboration with Spielberg, who was deeply involved in the creative process. Edwards recalls hours-long conversations with Spielberg, who provided feedback throughout the film’s development. “Whenever there’s a gap, I’m going to put something in that is a reflection of something from his movies that we love,” Edwards explained, highlighting the film’s numerous nods to Spielberg’s classics like “Jaws.”
Crafting a Stand-Alone Story
One of the standout features of “Jurassic World Rebirth” is its ability to stand alone within the franchise. This intentional approach was rooted in David Koepp’s script, which Edwards admired for its self-contained narrative. “What the best sequels have in common is that the first one didn’t know it was part of a trilogy or the start of sequels. It was just this self-contained story,” Edwards noted.
Despite the film’s potential for sequels, Edwards maintains that there have been no discussions with Universal or the producers about continuing the story. “It was even a joke with the actors,” he said, emphasizing the film’s focus on delivering a complete and satisfying narrative experience.
Spielberg’s Hands-On Involvement
Spielberg’s involvement in “Jurassic World Rebirth” was a significant factor in its development. Unlike his experience with “Rogue One,” where George Lucas had retired and offered minimal input, Spielberg was actively engaged from the start. “He was in the meetings during preproduction. He would call me when I started shooting. He watched the dailies every day,” Edwards recounted.
Edwards was initially uncertain about the extent of Spielberg’s involvement, but he welcomed the director’s guidance. “I didn’t know if I’d see him once or all the time,” Edwards admitted. However, Spielberg’s consistent feedback and support proved invaluable, helping to shape the film into a heartfelt tribute to his cinematic legacy.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
As “Rogue One” approaches its 10th anniversary, Edwards reflects on his contributions to the “Star Wars” universe. While he humbly disagrees with the notion that it is the best “Star Wars” film since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, he appreciates the positive reception it has received. “It’s not about how people feel the day it gets released, it’s how people feel about it 10, 20 years from now,” he stated.
Despite his ongoing fascination with the “Star Wars” franchise, Edwards is content to explore new creative avenues. “I’m very happy to move on and do my thing,” he concluded, leaving the door open for future projects that capture his imagination.
With “Jurassic World Rebirth,” Gareth Edwards has not only realized a childhood dream but also delivered a film that honors the legacy of Steven Spielberg while standing on its own as a thrilling addition to the franchise.
