'Jurassic World: Rebirth' Brings Franchise Back to Life with Blockbuster Debut
With a $318.3 million global launch and $147.3 million domestic take, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” has become the summer’s biggest box office event. Learn more below.
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” stomped into theaters over the Fourth of July holiday, delivering a $318.3 million global debut across five days and earning $147.3 million domestically. The Universal Pictures release not only reignited the 30-year-old franchise but also marked a historic milestone for Scarlett Johansson, who now holds the title of highest-grossing lead actor at the global box office – surpassing former Marvel co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.
Directed by Gareth Edwards, the fourth film in the “Jurassic World” series takes the franchise back to its origin point – both literally and thematically. Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a tactical operative leading a team of specialists on a high-risk expedition to a long-abandoned research facility on Isla Nublar, the site of the original Jurassic Park. Their mission is to secure dinosaur DNA believed to have revolutionary medical applications. But what begins as a humanitarian effort quickly unravels as the team uncovers a decades-old secret buried deep within the facility’s ruined corridors.
“It's fantastical, romantic, awe-inspiring, but most of all... fun.” Newsweek
Joining Johansson is a stacked ensemble cast including Jonathan Bailey, Luna Blaise, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend and Ed Skrein. At two hours and 14 minutes, the PG-13-rated action adventure delivers the signature thrills audiences expect as well as a darker undercurrent that asks what price humanity is willing to pay for control over nature.
The Associated Press called it “a thrilling success,” writing, “In many ways, the folks behind ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ are trying to do the same thing as their mercenaries: Going back to the source code to recapture the magic of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster original. They’ve thrillingly succeeded.” Variety commended Johansson’s commanding presence, stating, “It’s especially satisfying to get a woman in the role of the team’s toughest member, with no obligation to be anyone’s love interest.”
Other reviews highlighted both the film’s familiar formula and its big-screen appeal. Empire Magazine called it “a well-made summer theme-park ride,” while The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Longtime fans should have a blast.”
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.