Update, February 9, 2024: Following the publication of this article, IGN learned that talks between David Leitch and Universal fell apart, meaning Leitch will not be directing the new Jurassic World after all.
Previous story as follows:
Just a couple of weeks after we learned Universal is working on a new Jurassic World film, we now have an idea of who might direct it, as well as an official release date.
Deadline revealed in a report on Monday that David Leitch, who's been one of the more prominent action filmmakers of the past decade or so, is being eyed to step into the director's chair. The report cautions, however, that negotiations are still in the early stages.
IGN has confirmed with Leitch's reps that the report is accurate, and has reached out to Universal for comment.
The Deadline report also revealed the expected release date: July 2, 2025, which marks a pretty tight turnaround. Universal later confirmed that date with a post on the Jurassic World X/Twitter account.
— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) February 6, 2024
Leitch, formerly Brad Pitt's stunt double, has been on a roll ever since co-directing John Wick with Chad Stahelski in 2014 (although, per terms by the Directors Guild of America, only Stahelski was credited). He would go on to direct 2017 Charlize Theron thriller Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw, and, most recently, Bullet Train. Next up, he has The Fall Guy, an action movie starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, set to debut on May 3, 2024.
It was previously revealed that a familiar face will be returning to write the script of the new Jurassic World, with Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park writer David Koepp on board. Steven Spielberg is also set to serve as executive producer.
The new Jurassic World is expected to be a completely fresh take on the franchise, with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard not expected to return after starring in the new trilogy. Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill from the original trilogy are also not expected to return.
The last Jurassic World movie, Dominion, came out in 2022, proving the franchise still has plenty of juice. Although reviews were mixed, it crossed the coveted $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office.
This story has been updated to include Universal's confirmation of the release date.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
