Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) Movie Review: Scarlett Johansson & Cast Deliver Dinosaur Action | Box Office Predictions & Critical Reception

 

Jurassic World Rebirth: A New Era Dawns, But Does Lightning Strike Twice?

Today marks the theatrical release of "Jurassic World Rebirth," the latest installment in the dinosaur franchise that has captivated audiences for over three decades. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an A-list cast led by Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, this seventh entry in the Jurassic saga attempts to breathe new life into a series that has struggled to recapture the magic of Steven Spielberg's 1993 original.

A Familiar Formula with Fresh Faces

Set five years after the events of "Jurassic World Dominion," the film presents a world where dinosaurs have largely failed to adapt to Earth's modern ecosystem. The surviving creatures exist in isolated equatorial environments, creating the perfect setup for another high-stakes mission to the original Jurassic Park site. Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, leading a team of operatives on what Fox News describes as a mission to "secure genetic material from dinosaurs whose DNA can provide life-saving" treatments.

The cast brings considerable star power to the franchise. Bailey, fresh off his acclaimed performances in "Bridgerton" and "Wicked," joins Oscar winners Johansson and Ali, alongside Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein. The chemistry between the leads has already generated buzz, with Johansson and Bailey's playful red carpet interactions at the London premiere making headlines.

Behind the Camera: A Return to Roots

Perhaps most significantly, the film marks the return of David Koepp as screenwriter. Koepp co-wrote both the original "Jurassic Park" and "The Lost World" with Michael Crichton, bringing decades of franchise experience to this reboot attempt. Steven Spielberg remains involved as executive producer, recruiting Koepp to help develop this new chapter.

Gareth Edwards, known for "Godzilla" (2014) and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," takes the directorial reins. His track record with large-scale creature features and his ability to balance intimate character moments with spectacular action sequences makes him a compelling choice for the franchise.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag

Early reviews suggest "Jurassic World Rebirth" is a competent but unremarkable entry in the series. The Hollywood Reporter notes that while the film "finds signs of life in 32-year-old dino franchise," critics remain divided on whether it successfully revitalizes the property.

Some reviews describe the film as having "all the ingredients" but lacking that special spark that made the original so memorable. As one Rotten Tomatoes critic put it, the film "comes out like flat soda" despite throwing "everything AND the kitchen sink in." However, others praise what the film "makes up for in care, beauty and thrills."

The recurring criticism across reviews seems to be a lack of evolution in the franchise's formula. Characters reportedly feel underdeveloped, and storylines are left incomplete, suggesting the film may prioritize spectacle over substance—a common complaint about recent entries in the series.

The Franchise at a Crossroads

"Jurassic World Rebirth" arrives at a crucial moment for the franchise. With the original trilogy now considered classics and the "Jurassic World" trilogy receiving mixed reception, this film represents an opportunity to chart a new course. The decision to set the story after an ecological failure for dinosaurs provides an interesting premise that could explore themes of extinction, adaptation, and humanity's relationship with nature.

The film's PG-13 rating and 2 hours 14 minutes runtime suggest Universal is positioning this as a major summer blockbuster, complete with the franchise's signature blend of action, adventure, and prehistoric terror.

Box Office Expectations and Competition

Opening on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, "Jurassic World Rebirth" faces significant competition from other major releases. The film will need to prove it can reignite audience enthusiasm for the dinosaur franchise in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The movie's marketing campaign, including two official trailers—one during the 2025 Super Bowl and another in May—has generated considerable anticipation. Universal's partnership with Amazon Prime Video also ensures the film will reach streaming audiences following its theatrical run.

Final Thoughts

"Jurassic World Rebirth" represents both the potential and the challenge facing long-running franchises. While it boasts impressive talent both in front of and behind the camera, early reactions suggest it may struggle to overcome the fundamental question that has plagued the series since 1997: How do you recreate the wonder and terror of that first encounter with Spielberg's dinosaurs?

The film appears to deliver the spectacular visuals and thrilling action sequences audiences expect, but whether it can provide the emotional resonance and narrative innovation needed to justify another trip to dinosaur island remains to be seen. For fans of the franchise, "Jurassic World Rebirth" may offer enough familiar pleasures to satisfy, even if it doesn't quite achieve the evolutionary leap the series desperately needs.

As audiences flock to theaters today, the verdict on whether this latest chapter successfully launches a new era for the Jurassic franchise—or simply provides more of the same prehistoric spectacle—will ultimately rest with viewers willing to take another journey into the world where dinosaurs once again rule the Earth.