The “Jurassic World” franchise is continuing its prehistoric reign at the box office, with a potential title for the next installment beginning to surface. Multiple domain names – jurassicworldliberation.movie and jurassicworldliberation.com – were registered in recent days, redirecting to the official Jurassic World website, fueling speculation that “Jurassic World: Liberation” could be the title of the eighth film in the series.
The news arrives following the solid performance of last year’s “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” which grossed over $869 million worldwide despite a late directorial change. Gareth Edwards stepped in to direct “Rebirth” after David Leitch departed due to “creative differences,” inheriting a project already deeply into pre-production with a script penned by David Koepp. While the film earned a VFX Oscar nomination, reviews were mixed, with some critics finding the script and visuals excessive.
Universal Pictures has yet to officially confirm the sequel or its title, but reports emerged in November 2025 indicating that a follow-up was in development. Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali are all expected to reprise their roles as Zora Bennett, Duncan Kincaid, and Dr. Henry Loomis, respectively. Edwards is also anticipated to return as director.
The potential title, “Liberation,” hints at a possible thematic shift for the franchise. While previous films have explored the dangers of genetic engineering and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, the word “Liberation” suggests a narrative focused on freedom – perhaps for the dinosaurs themselves, or a new understanding of coexistence. However, without official confirmation, the true meaning remains speculative.
The timing of a potential production start is complicated by Johansson’s busy schedule. The actress is currently filming Mike Flanagan’s new “The Exorcist” and is slated to begin work on Matt Reeves’ “The Batman: Part II” shortly thereafter. Filming for “Jurassic World: Liberation” likely won’t begin until early 2027, allowing for Johansson’s availability.
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” marked a significant financial success for Universal, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the dinosaur franchise. The film’s $869 million global box office haul, against a $200 million budget, underscores the studio’s commitment to continuing the series. The franchise has consistently delivered strong returns, making it a valuable asset in a competitive entertainment landscape.
The acquisition of the domain names, reported by the Jurassic Park fan site Swrve, is a common practice in Hollywood as studios explore potential titles and secure online branding. However, it’s important to note that domain registration doesn’t guarantee a final decision. Studios often register multiple names as placeholders before settling on a definitive title.
The “Jurassic World” franchise has evolved significantly since the original “Jurassic Park” debuted in 1993. The series has expanded beyond the initial premise of a dinosaur theme park, exploring themes of bioethics, corporate greed, and the relationship between humanity and nature. “Jurassic World: Dominion” (2022) attempted to bring the saga to a close, but the financial success of “Rebirth” clearly indicated continued audience interest.
The return of Edwards, Johansson, Bailey, and Ali suggests a continuity with “Rebirth,” potentially building upon the established characters and storylines. Whether Koepp will return to write the script remains unconfirmed, but his previous work on the franchise provides a familiar foundation. The success of “Liberation” will likely depend on addressing the criticisms leveled at “Rebirth” – specifically, a more focused narrative and a more restrained visual approach.
A targeted release date of June 9, 2028, has been rumored, giving the production team ample time to develop the script, complete visual effects, and mount a comprehensive marketing campaign. The summer release window is a prime slot for blockbuster films, maximizing potential box office revenue.
As the franchise enters its eighth installment, the challenge for Universal and Edwards will be to reinvigorate the series while remaining true to its core appeal. “Jurassic World: Liberation,” if confirmed, will need to offer a fresh perspective on the dinosaur saga, captivating both longtime fans and new audiences alike. The studio is banking on the established star power and the enduring fascination with prehistoric creatures to ensure another successful chapter in the “Jurassic World” story.
