‘Jurassic World 4’: Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Star As Jennifer Lawrence Passes On Next Franchise Installment

Universal Pictures and Amblin are quickly moving forward with a fourth “Jurassic World” movie, securing filmmaker Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “The Creator”) in the director’s chair after talks with contender David Leitch (“The Fall Guy”) broke down. Puck News reports in their recent newsletter that Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook”) was offered a lead role in “Jurassic World 4” but has passed on the dinosaur action pic. 

However, the outlet confirms recent rumors that Scarlett Johansson (“Black Widow”) is still in the mix and is in talks with the studio about taking a lead role, though it’s unclear if she’ll agree to accept the role.

READ MORE: Gareth Edwards To Direct New’ Jurassic World’ Movie For Universal

Unconfirmed online rumors claim the film is titled “Jurassic City” and could feature a vibe not dissimilar from John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York.” If that’s the case, they’ve clearly devised a creative way to make the “Jurassic World” franchise stand out from past iterations.

Edwards will direct the film from a script by David Koepp. Koepp penned the first two “Jurassic Park” films, which Steven Spielberg helmed and was loosely based on the Michael Crichton novels. Given that none of the “Jurassic World” or “Jurassic Park” actors are returning, there is speculation that this new ‘Jurassic’ film will be a total reboot. Still, no concrete plot details are available, and time will tell.

These movies are still making a considerable splash financially. All three of the ‘World’ films were able to clear $1 billion, and “Jurassic World: Dominion,” released in 2022, was able to muster an impressive billion dollars at the global box office despite negative reviews.

Universal has already given “Jurassic World 4” a release date of July 2, 2025, and that date heavily suggests cameras will have to begin rolling before the end of the summer to make that prime summer spot.