Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions: Roaring Triumph or Dino Disappointment?

The Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions are pouring in, and Universal Pictures’ latest dinosaur epic, set to hit theaters on July 2, 2025, has sparked a polarized buzz.

Directed by Gareth Edwards and starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, this standalone sequel to Jurassic World: Dominion promises a thrilling return to the franchise’s roots.

Early screenings, including the UK premiere on June 17, 2025, have critics and fans divided, with some praising its visuals and nostalgia, while others call it a forgettable retread.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what the first watchers are saying about Jurassic World Rebirth.

What Is Jurassic World Rebirth About?

Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth follows Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operative leading a team to extract DNA from three colossal dinosaurs for a life-saving drug.

The mission takes them to Ile Saint-Hubert, a forbidden island housing mutated dinosaurs from a secret Jurassic Park lab.

When their operation collides with a shipwrecked civilian family, they face terrifying creatures and a shocking discovery.

Written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park), the film aims to recapture the original’s awe and tension, but reactions suggest mixed success.

What Are Critics Saying About the Visuals and Direction?

Gareth Edwards, known for Godzilla and Rogue One, brings a visually stunning approach, shooting on 35mm film for a textured, old-school feel.

The Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions praise the film’s “gorgeous” cinematography and “practical movie magic,” with Perri Nemiroff noting Edwards’ ability to make CGI feel tangible.

A standout river sequence and a T-Rex cameo have been highlighted as thrilling, with

@CabooseEK calling the dinosaurs “terrifying” and well-scaled. However, some, like David Ehrlich, lament the lack of Edwards’ signature flair, calling it “forgettable to look at.”

How Is the Cast Received in Jurassic World Rebirth?

The ensemble, led by Johansson as the tough Zora, Ali as captain Duncan Kincaid, and Bailey as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis, earns mixed praise. Variety calls Johansson a “marked improvement” over past leads, appreciating her no-nonsense role.

Bailey’s performance, especially his “scene-stealing glasses,” has fans raving, with

@TheConnorWeb declaring him a “new favorite actor.”

However, critics like John Flickinger find the characters “dull” with “zero chemistry,” and

@theFLICKpick notes the narrative fails to elevate the cast’s potential. A baby Aquilops named Dolores has stolen hearts, with @jazzt urging fans to “get ready to fall in love.”

Does the Story and Script Deliver?

David Koepp’s return as screenwriter fuels nostalgia, but the Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions are split on the story. Jazz Tangcay calls it a “roaring triumph” and a “beautiful homage” to the 1993 original, while Mark Newbold praises its “engaging characters” and “great score.”

Conversely, @SiddhantAdlakha labels it the “worst Jurassic Park movie yet,” criticizing its “flat, emotionless retread” and lack of thematic depth. The plot’s reliance on familiar tropes and “silly” moments, like a Snickers wrapper causing a lab shutdown, draws ire from some, with Cosmic Book News slamming its “bad writing.”

Is Jurassic World Rebirth Scary and Thrilling?

The Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions highlight its return to horror roots, with Edwards making dinosaurs “both majestic and utterly terrifying,” per Barry Levitt. A new mutant D-Rex and aquatic predators add fresh scares, and Maude Garrett notes the “tension sits with you throughout.”

Yet, some feel the thrills are undercut by predictable beats. @maudegarrett admits to “cute or cringe” moments, and Flickinger roots for the dinosaurs out of boredom with the human story. The film’s PG-13 rating leaves some, like Lauren LaMagna, craving a bolder, R-rated take.

How Does It Compare to Other Jurassic Films?

With a 52% Rotten Tomatoes score and 55/100 on Metacritic, Jurassic World Rebirth fares better than Dominion (38/100) and Fallen Kingdom but falls short of the original Jurassic Park.

Critics like Liz Shannon Miller call it the “second-best Jurassic movie,” though she notes this isn’t high praise given the franchise’s uneven history.

Fans on X, like @LionJurassic, rank it above Dominion for its Spielberg-esque tone, while others, like @nicholas_janzen, place it mid-tier. It’s seen as a step up from recent sequels but not a game-changer.

What’s the Overall Verdict on Jurassic World Rebirth?

The Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions paint a picture of a film that delivers spectacle but struggles with depth. Supporters, like Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell, praise its “best set pieces since Jurassic Park,” while detractors, like David Fear, question its generic feel despite top talent.

With a projected $100-135 million 5-day opening, Universal banks on its star power and dino action to draw crowds. Whether it’s a “dino-charged spectacle” or a “brainless mess,” fans will decide when it roars into theaters.

Highlights of Jurassic World Rebirth:

• Release Date: July 2, 2025, in theaters.

• Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend.

• Director: Gareth Edwards, with David Koepp’s script.

• Standout Moments: T-Rex river sequence, mutant D-Rex, and Dolores the Aquilops.

• Critical Reception: 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55/100 on Metacritic.

• Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes, rated PG-13.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Jurassic World Rebirth First Reactions reveal a divisive yet thrilling addition to the Jurassic saga, blending stunning visuals and nostalgic nods with a familiar formula.

Whether you’re drawn to its heart-pounding dino action or skeptical of its narrative flaws, Gareth Edwards’ vision offers something for longtime fans.

Catch the buzz on X, check out the trailer, and see if life finds a way when Jurassic World Rebirth hits theaters on July 2, 2025.