Jurassic World Renaissance: Will it Crush Other Summer Blockbusters? Discussion with Director Gareth Edwards

With the launch of F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, the summer blockbuster season has officially kicked off. Alongside it, we’ve also got Ballerina, a must-see film for its unique vibe and impressive execution. But July, in particular, is set to unleash a colossal clash of major Hollywood blockbusters: Jurassic World Rebirth (or Renaissance in French), Superman, and The Fantastic Four. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of cinematic titans? According to early projections, Jurassic World Rebirth is poised to gross a staggering $260 million globally in its opening weekend alone. This is largely anticipated, as it’s already positioned as the film most likely to win over a broad audience. And that’s because, quite simply, it’s Jurassic Park! This franchise boasts immense popularity, captivating audiences despite occasional critical reservations. Each new installment in the series typically earns close to, or even exceeds, a billion dollars. It’s tough to imagine it not performing well, which was actually one of the topics we discussed with Gareth Edwards. He’s the director of this latest entry, and we caught up with him in Paris a couple of weeks back.

We asked him what he believes contributes to the enduring appeal of this series, and how it felt to work on such massive franchises as Godzilla, Star Wars, and now Jurassic Park. Gareth Edwards teamed up with John Mathieson for Jurassic World Rebirth. Edwards shot the movie on traditional 35mm Kodak film, resulting in a stunningly wide aspect ratio (2.39:1). They didn’t use many animatronics for Jurassic World Rebirth, but shooting in Thailand allowed them to seamlessly integrate the visual effects. Get ready for a river raft chase featuring a T-Rex and a scene where they retrieve Quetzalcoatlus eggs from an ancient temple – both sequences promise high-octane action in Jurassic World Rebirth. This new installment introduces several previously unseen creatures, like the D-Rex (Distortus Rex). Its design is eerily unsettling, resembling something out of the Alien franchise more than a conventional dinosaur. Where did that idea come from? And seriously, how far can one push the boundaries when conceptualizing such creatures? Gareth Edwards’ response was remarkably lucid and insightful. What many people don’t know is that Gareth Edwards actually began his career in special effects. That background truly gives his movies a unique visual punch. He knows all the ins and outs of post-production, enabling him to strategize during filming to ensure optimal on-screen visuals. So, we asked if he’d put that expertise to good use for Jurassic World Rebirth.

Another notable aspect of his directorial style is his ability to achieve significant impact with minimal resources. Gareth Edwards is known for being exceptionally resourceful and for making the most of his budget. He often even operates the camera himself while shooting. Could he maintain that hands-on approach on a huge movie like Jurassic World? He gave us a direct answer. Even though critics are split on the movie – some praise it, while others are less enthusiastic, particularly regarding the somewhat formulaic plot or underdeveloped characters – you can’t deny that Jurassic World Rebirth‘s special effects are undeniably spectacular. As a summer blockbuster, it absolutely delivers, offering audiences a grand spectacle. It doesn’t quite hit the heights of Spielberg’s original, but it’s definitely a step up from the last two Chris Pratt movies. So, if you’re looking for thrills, astonishing creatures, and incredible visuals, this new installment is sure to satisfy. And to conclude, here are some photos of Dolores, this remarkably lifelike animatronic we had the chance to see right before we talked to Gareth Edwards. She’s a true technological marvel, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Jurassic World Rebirth.

As we dive into the summer blockbuster season, it’s not just dinosaurs that are making waves; Superman is set to soar back into our screens on July 10th! Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece, “Superman’s Return Won’t Take Long,” published on June 30th, explores how this new film marks a significant milestone for DC Studios. With David Corenswet stepping into the iconic role of Clark Kent/Kal-El and James Gunn hinting at Superman’s earlier-than-expected return in an upcoming animated series, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Check out Superman’s Return Won’t Take Long to learn more about this exciting chapter in the world of DC superheroes! Before we dive deeper into these colossal summer blockbusters like “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Superman,” let’s not forget another exciting entry premiering ahead of them: Joseph Kosinski’s “F1.” Sophie Laurent attended a press screening in Pathé La Villette’s IMAX theater and describes it as nothing short of stunning. This $200 million production, starring the ever-charismatic Brad Pitt at 61, immerses viewers into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing with unprecedented sensory detail. From its meticulous design for IMAX to the impressive use of miniature cameras and Dolby Atmos audio, “F1” promises an exhilarating experience on the big screen. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, this film is sure to thrill with its blend of entertainment and technical prowess. Check it out F1 the Movie: Top Gun Maverick but with Formula 1 Cars and Brad Pitt for a detailed breakdown!