It’s official!Jurassic World 2will be directed byJ.A. Bayona. The news was confirmed on theJurassic World Twitteraccount. Thefilmmaker was rumoredto be a frontrunner for the gig earlier this year. OriginalJurassic WorlddirectorColin Trevorrowdropped out of directing the anticipated sequel back in 2015, after it was announced that he’d be taking the helm onStar Wars: Episode IX, the final chapter in the currentForce Awakenstrilogy. Says the Twitter account.
“We are pleased to announce that @filmbayona will direct the JURASSIC WORLD SEQUEL. 6.22.18.”
J.A. Bayonawas also committed to directingWorld War Z 2, which arrives next summer. Because of this, many believed he’d have to pass onJurassic World 2. But earlier this year,Bayonadecided to bail on theBrad Pittzombie thriller. This opened up his schedule for this dinosaur thriller, which will continue the ‘weapons of mass destruction’ story thread introduced in last year’s blockbuster.
Jurassic World 2is already set for June 2018. No official story details have been announced yet. It is confirmed that originalJurassic WorldstarsChris PrattandBryce Dallas Howardwill be back to reprise their roles. No other cast members have been announced at this time. It has been heavily speculated that this next sequel in theJurassic Parkfranchise could bring back one of the stars from the 1994 original, withJeff Goldblumsaying he’d return if asked.
J.A. Bayonais best known for directing the 2012 true-life dramaThe Impossible, starringNaomi WattsandEwan McGregoras parents struggling to survive a massive flood. He also directed the 2007 horror thrillerThe Orphanageas well as several episodes of Showtime’sPenny Dreadful. This October, his latest movieA Monster Callswill arrive in theaters. It starsLiam Neeson,Felicity JonesandSigourney Weaverin a story about a young boy who tries to escape the pain of his mother’s passing by stepping into a fantasy world.
WhileColin Trevorrowmight not be returning to direct, he will produce the movie. He is also co-writing the screenplay with Derek Connolly. The pair worked on the firstJurassic Worldtogether. It is a quote from Sam Neil’s Alan Grant in the originalJurassic Parkthat serves as inspiration for thissequel script.
“Dinosaurs and man, two species separated by 65 million years of evolution have just been suddenly thrown back into the mix together. How can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?”
Frank Marshalland originalJurassic ParkdirectorSteven Spielbergreturn to produce this follow-up.Jurassic Worldearned over $650 million at the domestic box office when it opened last summer. It pulled in grosses over $1.6 billion worldwide. Dinosaurs will roam the earth again in the summer of 2018.
