That Kid From 'Iron Man 3' Will Lead 'Jurassic World,' Jake Johnson Rumored

Iron Man 3, Robert Downey Jr., Kid, Ty Simpkins

At 12 years old, Ty Simpkins is a franchise and tentpole veteran. The grade school actor made an appearance in Steven Spielberg‘s “War Of The Worlds” at three years old, he’s in both highly successful “Insidious” movies, and this summer, he traded quips with Robert Downey Jr. in “Iron Man 3.” And for his next move? How about helping to relaunch a dinosaur franchise?

Deadline reports that Simpkins will lead “Jurassic World,” which should be all the evidence you need that Universal wants a whole new generation of kids to go dino-crazy. Plot details are of course being kept secret for now, but apparently, he’s not the only one joining the movie. The trade also notes that “New Girl” star Jake Johnson is “in the mix,” but nothing is confirmed at this time. So far, the only other cast member is Bryce Dallas Howard. So, maybe Johnson and Howard are the parents of Simpkins?

Anyway, we’ll find out in due course as Colin Trevorrow‘s film isn’t due in theaters until June 12, 2015.