We recently learned Universal is moving forward with a new Jurassic World movie from Jurassic Park scribe David Koepp. 2022's Jurassic World Dominion was billed as the franchise's conclusion, but we knew that wouldn't last, particularly when the studio is relatively light on franchises.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Deadpool 2 director David Leitch was in talks to helm the untitled project. Things sounded promising and fans started getting excited about what sort of action-packed, stunt-heavy spin the Bullet Train helmer might put on the popular dino-series.
Well, the trades have since confirmed he's dropped out of the movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Part of the problem is that Universal is so far along on the project that Leitch would essentially have been more of a shooter than someone who could have really put his stamp on the film."
An inside source adds that "There's not enough time to work with new ideas," news which perhaps shouldn't come as a surprise when Universal has already slotted in this new Jurassic World movie for an ambitious July 2, 2025 release date.
Production will need to move fast and producers are said to have already commissioned dinosaur designs and begun prepping the movie. As a result, the studio is likely searching for a director-for-hire.
Interestingly, the trade adds that part of the appeal for Leitch was the fact this movie "was going to lean into action territory (one source described it as having an Escape from New York vibe, but a Universal insider said that was not true. Well, what about the idea of weaponized dinosaurs? The insider said no.)"
In 2022, Colin Trevorrow, who helmed Jurassic World and later Jurassic World Dominion, shared some insights into where the franchise can go next now dinosaurs roam the Earth and Isla Nublar has been destroyed.
"The previous five films are plots about dinosaurs. [Dominion] is a story about characters in a world in which they coexist with dinosaurs," the filmmaker explained. "For the franchise to be able to move forward – because it’s inherently unfranchisable, there probably should have only been one Jurassic Park."
"But if we’re gonna do it, how can I allow them to tell stories in a world in which dinosaurs exist, as opposed to, here’s another reason why we’re going to an island?"
It appears the series has moved on from the idea of these rampaging dinos being confined to a theme park, but if we aren't going post-apocalyptic, it could be fun telling new types of stories across the globe (there was once talk of a horror movie).
Stay tuned for updates.