Jurassic World Rebirth opens and divides critics amidst mixed reviews
- Jurassic World Rebirth premiered in North American theaters on July 3, 2025, being the seventh film in the franchise.
- The film features a plot set five years post-Jurassic World Dominion, centering on a dangerous mission for dinosaur DNA.
- Critics are divided on its success, leading to discussions about its reception and the franchise's relevance.
The seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, debuted in theaters across North America on July 3, 2025. The film, directed by Gareth Edwards, stars prominent actors including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. Set five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the storyline depicts a world where few dinosaurs survive, living in climates that mirror their original habitats. The remaining dinosaurs possess DNA crucial for developing a life-saving drug, prompting a mercenary team and a paleontologist to embark on a dangerous mission to retrieve this valuable genetic material. Critically, Jurassic World Rebirth has elicited a divided response from audiences and reviewers alike, as evidenced by its 53% 'rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics acknowledge the film's attempts to return to the franchise's roots and recapture the essence of the original 1993 classic, others argue it fails to breathe new life into the series. Notably, the film has sparked conversations about the evolving expectations of audiences and how the franchise must adapt in order to remain relevant. As the film's opening day gross reached an estimated $30.5 million, projections indicated that it could amass a total of $133.5 million over the extended 4th of July weekend. This impressive performance not only exceeds initial expectations but also highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise, continuing strong box office returns despite a mixed critical reception. With an estimated production budget ranging from $180 million to $225 million, the film's financial success could be crucial for setting the stage for future entries in the series. The complex dynamic between nostalgia and innovation is at the heart of Jurassic World Rebirth's narrative, intertwining the acknowledgment of past stories with the appeal of fresh and thrilling adventure. Critics have made various comparisons to the original movie and evaluate its merits not just on entertainment alone, but also as a lens through which to assess broader themes of technology, science, and human ambition that resonate profoundly today. As audiences await the digital release and its impact on home viewing habits, it remains to be seen how this film will ultimately influence the future trajectory of the franchise and the larger cinematic landscape.