On a vibrant Tuesday in central London, the highly anticipated world premiere of “Jurassic World: Rebirth” took center stage at the Odeon Luxe cinema in Leicester Square. This star-studded event saw the film’s core cast members and creative minds donning their finest, stepping onto a green carpet that echoed the lush environments featured within the franchise.
Among the luminaries gracing the carpet were acclaimed director Gareth Edwards, as well as prominent cast members, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Ed Skrein. The premiere also featured the film’s original writer, David Koepp, who crafted the script for the groundbreaking “Jurassic Park,” alongside producer Frank Marshall and composer Alexandre Desplat. Not to be forgotten, an adorable animatronic dinosaur named Delores made an appearance, delighting fans as she posed for photos with her handler.
Scarlett Johansson, radiant in a figure-hugging pink dress, took a moment to speak on the significance of “Rebirth” for the franchise. She highlighted Koepp’s involvement and noted that Edwards’ deep admiration for Steven Spielberg gave the film an authentic touch. “Rebirth” is not just another sequel; it aims to serve as a love letter to Spielberg’s original work. Johansson assured fans, “You can expect to really feel the DNA of the original ‘Jurassic Park’ in this film,” sparking excitement among those anticipating the new narrative.
Jonathan Bailey, known for his recent role in “Wicked,” expressed heartfelt nostalgia at the event. Dressed casually in a baseball cap and blazer, he shared that “Jurassic Park” was the first film he ever saw with his family when he was just five years old. “It’s beyond a dream,” Bailey exclaimed, emphasizing how special it was to now be part of this beloved franchise. He also teased his contribution to the film’s soundtrack, describing an extraordinary experience recording at Abbey Road with a 105-piece orchestra. He fondly recalled playing with notable musicians while working on both John Williams’ and Alexandre Desplat’s scores.
Director Gareth Edwards, who returns to the helm after a decade since directing “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” shared the serendipitous way he got involved with “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” It all began with a text from his girlfriend about Universal searching for a director. “Is this stupid?” he quipped, sending the article to his agent. His humorous self-reflection set a lighthearted tone as he acknowledged the surreal journey that brought him to the premiere.
Before the film screening commenced, Edwards took the stage to introduce his talented cast, extending his gratitude towards all involved in the production. However, a comical moment ensued when he rushed back on stage, realizing he hadn’t thanked Universal chair Donna Langley and president Peter Cramer, whom he mistakenly thought were back in the U.S. “Oh my god, I nearly ended my career!” he exclaimed, to the laughter of attendees, illustrating the excitement and nervous energy typically associated with premieres.
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” picks up the narrative five years after the events of “Jurassic World: Dominion.” In this new world, the planet’s ecology poses challenges for the surviving dinosaurs, who find themselves predominantly isolated in equatorial environments. Among these creatures are three colossal dinosaurs, whose DNA may unlock vital medicines for humanity, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure intertwined with ethical dilemmas and the consequences of human actions.
Fans can mark their calendars as “Jurassic World: Rebirth” prepares for its grand release on July 2, promising to blend nostalgia with fresh narratives that honor the franchise’s pioneering legacy.
