Scarlett Johansson may not be done dodging dinosaurs just yet. Fresh rumors suggest Jurassic World Rebirth 2 is quietly crawling into development, with Universal Pictures reportedly eyeing both director Gareth Edwards and Johansson for a return. The speculation, ignited by industry scooper @MyTimeToShineHello, hints that a new Jurassic World film, though not officially confirmed, may already be taking shape behind the scenes.
This comes ahead of Rebirth’s U.S. release on July 2, 2025. The rebooted chapter introduced Johansson’s covert ops expert, Zora Bennett, who ultimately open-sources dinosaur DNA to the world. Adding intrigue, the Marvel actress told Vanity Fair that she chased the franchise for over a decade:
Anytime the trades would report a new ‘Jurassic’ movie, I would forward to my agents like, ‘Hey, I’m available’. I slept in a Jurassic Park pup tent in my bedroom… for a year.
Well, with no official word from Universal, the fossil fuel feeding this rumor is pure fan energy, for now. But with a box office beast in play and major cast names attached, it is safe to say that something prehistoric is definitely stirring.
Rebirth Sequel? Ending Explained, Box Office Numbers & Scarlett Johansson’s Potential Return
The ending of Jurassic World Rebirth swings the franchise’s gates wide open, for better or worse. After a harrowing mission to the secret island Ile Saint-Hubert, covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and her team secure dinosaur DNA samples from land, sea, and air species. Initially intended for the pharmaceutical giant ParkerGenix, the samples represent a breakthrough that could cure diseases or create chaos.
Zora chooses to make the DNA open-source. When asked who it will be shared with, she answers, “Everyone”. The decision is dangerously naive. In a universe where genetic misuse is practically tradition, giving the entire world access to dinosaur DNA is an open invitation to biological catastrophe.
Gareth Edwards doesn’t hold back on the action either. The team faces new hybrid creatures like mutadons, raptor-pterosaur hybrids, and the terrifying Distortus rex. Despite the carnage, the main characters all survive, including paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), the Delgado family, and even Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), who fakes a noble sacrifice but reappears alive.
The true casualty is Martin Krebs, who betrays the team and is devoured by the D-rex in a scene mirroring Dennis Nedry’s death in the original Jurassic Park. The final shot shows the survivors escaping by boat, watching dolphins swim alongside, an homage to the pelicans from the 1993 film. But beneath the calm, the world is now armed with prehistoric DNA and no rules.
If Johansson return in the sequel? Expect Zora to deal with the catastrophic fallout of her decision, possibly hunted by governments, corporations, or worse… her own creations. Here’s how Jurassic World Rebirth is faring (via The Numbers):
Box Office & Critical Reception
| Metric | Figure |
| Worldwide Gross | $861 million |
| Production Budget | $180–$225 million |
| Global Rank (2025, so far) | 4th highest-grossing film of the year |
Critical reception:
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | Score |
| Critics | 50% positive |
| Audience Score | 71% positive |
The film split the critics, though many agreed it’s an improvement over Dominion. Despite a lukewarm 50% critic score, its commercial success and global reach make the sequel nearly inevitable, especially with all major characters surviving.
Our Take on Why Jurassic World Rebirth Shouldn’t Return Too Soon
The numbers may scream greenlight the sequel but the timing may be less than ideal. One of the reboot’s strongest additions, Jonathan Bailey, has signaled a temporary exit from acting. In his GQ interview, the actor revealed plans to take a break in 2026, saying:
I’ve been working solidly for about three years now, which has been amazing and mind-blowing. But with everything happening in the world right now, I’m going to stop acting for a bit next year and just focus on the Shameless Fund.
The Shameless Fund is his charity for LGBTQ+ advocacy, and his next commitments, Wicked: For Good and Bridgerton Season 4, are already locked in. His pause could delay any sequel significantly, especially given Loomis’ central role in the Rebirth narrative. Plus, here’s why the franchise might benefit from catching its breath:
- Franchise Fatigue: Marvel and DC are already learning the hard way, audiences can burn out quickly. A rushed sequel could result in weaker storytelling.
- Standalone Strength: Rebirth works on its own. It doesn’t demand immediate follow-up, allowing tension to build organically.
- High Stakes Ending: Open-source DNA is a global powder keg. That story deserves thought, not speed.
Regardless, if Johansson and Edwards do return, they could anchor a trilogy that’s more grounded, ethically murky, and morally complex than anything the franchise has attempted. Until then, let Rebirth breathe. Let fans theorize, let the chaos fester a little in the background and then hit us with an entry worthy of the chaos it unleashed.
So… what’s your take, fellow dino-watchers? Would you want Johansson as the new face of Jurassic? Dig up your thoughts and drop them in the comments below, we’re all ears!
Jurassic World Rebirth is currently playing in theaters and available to rent or purchase on VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
