Scarlett Johansson Fulfills Childhood Dream at Jurassic World: Rebirth Premiere in London
At the world premiere of Jurassic World: Rebirth, held at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, Scarlett Johansson made a stunning entrance on the green carpet. Known globally for her work in Hollywood, Johansson’s presence was especially significant as she fulfilled a lifelong dream of joining the Jurassic franchise.
“I was 10 when I saw Jurassic Park, and it left a mark on me,” Johansson shared with Reuters. “For the next thirty years, I would’ve done anything to be part of this universe.”
Under the direction of Rogue One filmmaker Gareth Edwards, she now steps into a cinematic world that originally ignited her passion for film.
Plot and Premise of Jurassic World: Rebirth
The storyline follows a specialized team dispatched to a forbidden island where a hidden research facility connects back to the original Jurassic Park.
Their goal is to collect DNA from three unique dinosaurs, which could lead to a revolutionary medical discovery. The film stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, and Rupert Friend in lead roles.
Calling the experience “exhilarating,” Rupert Friend remarked, “I love adventure. I love being taken on a ride where you don’t know what’s going to happen. I love the unknown. I love risk.”
Director Gareth Edwards admitted that the full weight of reviving such a beloved franchise struck him at the premiere. “It’s all front and centre here. It feels a bit weird to be honest. I can’t quite get my head around it,” he said.
Main Cast of Jurassic World: Rebirth
The ensemble cast includes:
Scarlett Johansson
Mahershala Ali
Jonathan Bailey
Rupert Friend
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
Luna Blaise
David Iacono
Audrina Miranda
Ed Skrein
Philippine Velge
Bechir Sylvain
Production and Release Details
Jurassic World: Rebirth serves as a standalone sequel to Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), marking the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise.
The screenplay is by David Koepp, who also wrote Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World (1997). The film is directed by Gareth Edwards and introduces a fresh lineup of stars, including Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali.
Filming occurred between June and September 2024 across Thailand, Malta, and the UK. The film premiered on June 17, 2025, and is scheduled for theatrical release on July 2, 2025, by Universal Pictures.
Premiere Night Highlights
The green carpet at Leicester Square saw appearances by Gareth Edwards, Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Ed Skrein.
Also present were writer David Koepp, producer Frank Marshall, composer Alexandre Desplat, and Universal executives Donna Langley and Peter Cramer.
A small animatronic dinosaur, featured in the film and named Delores by a young character, also posed with her handler.
Speaking from the carpet, Johansson wore a pink dress and expressed that the film brings the franchise back to its roots.
Highlighting the involvement of Koepp and the director’s admiration for Steven Spielberg, she added, “So I think it really is a love letter to Steven’s work. Fans of the Jurassic universe can expect to really feel the DNA of the original ‘Jurassic Park’ in this film.”
Jonathan Bailey, donning a cap, blazer, and sunglasses, revealed the film held deep personal meaning. “It’s beyond a dream. ‘Jurassic Park’ was the first film I saw with my family when I was five years old, and they’re all inside so we’re going to sit and watch it today,” he said.
Bailey also participated in the film’s soundtrack. “Going to Abbey Road with a 105-piece orchestra of world-class professional musicians, playing the John Williams score but also Alexandre Desplat’s score was incredible, it was completely out of body,” he shared.
Director’s Journey to Jurassic
Edwards recounted how he first learned of the opportunity to direct the film through a news article sent by his girlfriend.
“She sent me a text which was a news article about Universal looking for a director for Jurassic and as I carried on the call I just copied and pasted it and sent it to my agent and wrote ‘Is this stupid?’” he said.
Before the film’s screening, Edwards thanked his cast and crew, though he briefly forgot to acknowledge NBCUniversal chair Donna Langley and Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer.
Realizing the oversight, he rushed back to the stage, exclaiming, “Oh my god, I nearly ended my career! I honestly thought you guys were in America!”
Setting and Storyline
Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the film’s world has become largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those that remain reside in remote equatorial areas, including three massive creatures whose DNA could unlock a life-saving medical cure.
Jurassic World: Rebirth hits theatres on July 2, 2025.
