Director Explains How ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Completely Ignores ‘Dominion’

The Jurassic Park franchise has always been about evolution—both of its dinosaurs and its stories. But with Jurassic World Rebirth slated to release in July 2025, it seems this seventh installment is making a deliberate choice to step away from its immediate predecessor, Jurassic World Dominion, and instead, return to the formula that made the original Jurassic Park a cinematic masterpiece.

Moving Past Jurassic World Dominion

Released in 2022, Jurassic World Dominion painted a chaotic picture of a world overrun by dinosaurs, integrating them into global ecosystems. Yet, Jurassic World Rebirth takes a starkly different approach. According to the official synopsis, the dinosaurs are no longer spread across the world; instead, they’re confined to equatorial regions that mimic prehistoric environments. This shift feels like a clear pivot from the sprawling mayhem of Dominion, narrowing the scope to reintroduce tension, mystery, and focus—a hallmark of the 1993 classic.

Director Gareth Edwards, known for helming 2014’s Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, hinted at this return to basics during a recent interview with Empire. “It goes back to what I loved about the original,” he revealed. “There were a lot of opportunities as a filmmaker to have a lot of fun and try and play games with the audience.” This statement underscores a desire to recapture the suspense and creativity of Jurassic Park, where the terror wasn’t in global devastation but in the close, personal danger of humans crossing paths with prehistoric predators.

Back to Basics: A Focus on Tension and Discovery

The film’s synopsis suggests a contained story centered on Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operative tasked with retrieving genetic material from the world’s three most massive dinosaurs. Set on an unspecified island, the mission quickly spirals into unexpected twists as Zora uncovers a “sinister, shocking discovery that’s been hidden from the world for decades.” With such a focused narrative, Jurassic World Rebirth appears to be returning to the intimate, suspenseful storytelling that made Jurassic Park so groundbreaking.

Johansson’s character promises to bring complexity to the story. Edwards described Zora as someone searching for meaning in life after leaving the military. “She starts to question the ethical rights and wrongs of what they’re doing,” he said. This moral conflict evokes shades of the ethical dilemmas raised in the original film by characters like Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) and Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern).

Related: Timeline of All 3 Upcoming ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘World’ Sequels Unveiled

Paying Homage to Jurassic Park

Edwards has made no secret of his admiration for the 1993 film. “I love Jurassic Park. I think the first movie is a cinematic masterpiece,” he told Collider. Collaborating with legendary producer Frank Marshall and Jurassic Park writer David Koepp, Edwards seems intent on creating a film that respects the franchise’s roots while carving out its own identity.

The connection to the original film isn’t just thematic—it’s visual too. Early marketing materials for Jurassic World Rebirth have teased imagery reminiscent of Jurassic Park, including sprawling island vistas and ominous ruins. Fans speculate these ruins could play a significant role in the story, offering fresh yet familiar set pieces that evoke the awe and tension of the original.

A Break From the Franchise’s Recent Tone

Where Dominion leaned heavily into blockbuster spectacle, Jurassic World Rebirth looks to ground itself in suspense and character-driven storytelling. Edwards’ direction and the contained narrative suggest a departure from the CGI-heavy chaos of recent entries in favor of a more deliberate pace. This choice is likely to resonate with fans who have longed for the franchise to recapture the balance of science fiction, adventure, and horror that defined the early films.

With Scarlett Johansson leading an all-new cast and a creative team deeply invested in the franchise’s legacy, Jurassic World Rebirth holds promise not just as a sequel but as a reinvention. If Edwards succeeds, this film could be a defining moment for the franchise, reminding audiences why dinosaurs on the big screen became such a phenomenon in the first place.

Related: ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Jurassic Park’ Set for an Epic Showdown in 2025

What Lies Ahead

It’s still unclear how Jurassic World Rebirth will tie into the broader franchise narrative, though, especially given its significant thematic shift away from Dominion. But with its focus on a contained story, ethical dilemmas, and a return to suspenseful set pieces, it’s clear that Edwards and his team are banking on nostalgia, tempered with innovation, to reinvigorate the series.

As we edge closer to the July 2025 release, one thing is certain: Jurassic World Rebirth isn’t just another sequel—it’s an opportunity to take the franchise back to where it all began, reminding us of the awe, terror, and wonder of Jurassic Park. Will it deliver? Time—and a few T. rex roars—will tell.

When Can I Watch Jurassic World Rebirth?

Jurassic World Rebirth will be released in theaters worldwide on July 2, 2025.

Check out the film’s new logo below, per the official Jurassic World X (Twitter) account:

Jurassic World Rebirth. In theaters July 2025.

Jurassic World Rebirth. In theaters July 2025. pic.twitter.com/CLUdLQPPfO

— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) August 29, 2024

The film stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Mahershala Ali (The Green Book), Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (Dead Boy Detectives), Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).

Are you suddenly more excited about Jurassic World Rebirth like we are? Let us know in the comments down below!