J.A. Bayona Considered to Direct Jurassic World Sequel

J.A. Bayona is being considered to direct the next Jurassic World film after Gareth Edwards left the sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth, according to reports about Universal Pictures’ search for a new director. Bayona, who directed 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, is described as being at the top of the studio’s list, but no appointment or formal offer has been confirmed. The reports trace the director news to an account that Bayona was Universal’s preferred choice. TheWrap said Universal had no comment. The studio’s search follows Edwards’ departure, which reports attribute to creative differences. The nature of those differences has not been disclosed. Bayona’s possible return would reunite him with the franchise after Fallen Kingdom, the fourth film in the Jurassic World series. The film grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide, according to reports, though its reception among critics was mixed. Bayona has also directed The Orphanage, A Monster Calls and Society of the Snow. The sequel is moving forward, but details of its production and story remain limited.