In 2025, dinosaurs return with a vengeance in Jurassic World Rebirth, the highly anticipated seventh installment in the legendary Jurassic Park franchise. Directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by franchise veteran David Koepp, Rebirth is not just another sequel—it’s a fresh, standalone revival that pays homage to the roots of the series while charting new ground.
The Storyline: Back to the Island
Set five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, Earth has become an inhospitable place for the remaining de-extinct creatures. Most dinosaurs now reside on remote tropical islands, mirroring their prehistoric past. The story kicks off when Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operative, is recruited by the pharmaceutical giant ParkerGenix. Her mission: infiltrate Ile Saint-Hubert, a forbidden InGen facility, and extract DNA from the largest land, sea, and air species.
But what begins as a clinical mission for biomedical advancement takes a terrifying turn when Zora’s team discovers mutant dinosaur experiments that have thrived in isolation, especially the haunting Distortus rex, a grotesque six-limbed T. rex.
Science Meets Thriller
The film’s central premise is rooted in real science. Writer Koepp was inspired by research indicating some dinosaur species had extremely long lifespans and low rates of heart disease. This spurred the fictional idea of synthesizing a life-saving drug from dinosaur DNA—a clever evolution of the original theme of scientific hubris.
The hybrid of science fiction and pharma ethics gives the film a Crichton-esque realism, tying back to the themes of the original novels.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Creative Team:
- Director: Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, The Creator)
- Writer: David Koepp (Jurassic Park, The Lost World)
- Producer: Steven Spielberg (Executive), Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley
- Composer: Alexandre Desplat (with themes by John Williams)
Edwards took on the project after falling in love with Koepp’s script, despite initially planning a break from studio films. He opted for 35mm film to replicate the classic cinematic texture of the original movie. Filming locations included the lush jungles of Thailand, the coastal town of Malta, and London’s Sky Studios.
Cast & Characters
- Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett, a no-nonsense covert ops expert
- Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s disciplined team leader
- Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis, the group’s paleontologist and voice of scientific reason
- Rupert Friend as Martin Krebs, the morally gray pharma rep
- Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado, the father of a stranded civilian family
- Ed Skrein, Luna Blaise, and others round out the supporting cast
This is the first film in the franchise without legacy characters, offering a clean slate for new heroes and threats.
The Monsters: Mutants and Beasts
This isn’t just about your classic T. rex and raptors anymore. The film introduces terrifying new creatures:
- Distortus rex: A six-limbed mutant T. rex, designed to evoke both fear and sympathy.
- Mutadons: Flying hybrids of pterosaurs and velociraptors.
- Aquilops: Brought to life using advanced animatronics and puppetry for realism.
- Redesigned Spinosaurus, Titanosaurus, Anurognathus, and many more.
ILM had just six weeks to finalize designs due to the film’s accelerated schedule, but they delivered a visual feast.
Music and Nostalgia
Alexandre Desplat’s score is a rich blend of new compositions and iconic John Williams themes, recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full orchestra and choir. Actor Jonathan Bailey even played a clarinet solo for the soundtrack.
Marketing & Merch
Universal went all out with a massive marketing push:
- Toys from Mattel and LEGO
- Tie-ins with 7-Eleven, Funko, and even the NBA Playoffs
- Trailers released during Super Bowl LIX
- While Johansson refused to join Instagram for promotion, she still appeared in toy-line videos
Reception: Critics & Fans React
The film premiered in London on June 17, 2025, and was released in the U.S. on July 2, 2025. Early reviews are mixed, praising the dinosaurs, suspense, and visuals, while critiquing the thin human arcs and some predictable plot beats.
Still, the consensus is that Rebirth captures the spirit of the original better than recent sequels, making it a must-watch for both nostalgic fans and a new generation.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Reboot?
With its return to jungle survival, smart science-fiction roots, and terrifying new dinosaur designs, Jurassic World: Rebirth successfully reignites the franchise. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does refocus the franchise on what made it magical in the first place: awe, terror, and the ethical dilemmas of playing God.
