‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ returns to franchise roots with all-star cast & high-stakes adventure

Universal Pictures has released a new featurette of “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the next installment in the blockbuster dinosaur saga, set for theatrical release on July 2. The film marks a return to the roots of the original “Jurassic Park” while introducing a new storyline that expands the franchise’s mythos.

Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) and written by David Koepp — the original screenwriter of “Jurassic Park” — the film takes place five years after the events of “Jurassic World Dominion.” The story is set in a remote tropical island environment where a team embarks on a mission to extract vital genetic material from the planet’s last remaining dinosaurs. The island, previously home to an undisclosed research facility from the original park, now holds dangerous secrets and creatures left behind.

The film stars Scarlett Johansson as covert operations expert Zora Bennett, who leads the high-risk mission. Mahershala Ali plays Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s trusted teammate, while Jonathan Bailey portrays Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist. The cast also includes Rupert Friend as pharmaceutical executive Martin Krebs and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado, a civilian whose family is inadvertently caught in the operation after a boating accident.

The supporting ensemble features Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audrina Miranda as members of Delgado’s family. Additional cast members include Philippine Velge, Bechir Sylvain and Ed Skrein.

The film’s plot centers on the discovery that three massive dinosaur species — spanning land, sea and air — may hold genetic data capable of producing life-saving medical advancements. This premise drives Zora’s team into perilous terrain as they confront prehistoric predators and an unexpected revelation tied to the island’s past.

“Jurassic World Rebirth” is produced by longtime franchise veterans Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley. Executive producers include Steven Spielberg, Denis L. Stewart and Jim Spencer. The film is based on characters created by Michael Crichton, whose 1990 novel inspired the original “Jurassic Park” film released in 1993.

The release of “Jurassic World Rebirth” follows the conclusion of the “Jurassic World” trilogy, each film of which earned over $1 billion at the global box office. The new featurette, titled “Classic Jurassic,” offers fans a first look at the film’s tone and visual style, which pays homage to the original film directed by Spielberg, and can also be watched below.

The film is categorized as an epic action-adventure and is expected to continue the franchise’s legacy of high-octane thrills blended with science fiction themes.

“Jurassic World Rebirth” opens in theaters nationwide on July 2.

Featured photo is the screenshot of a ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ scene’s moment as shown in the featurette Universal Pictures released today