"Jurassic World 2" is currently on the lookout for a new director and Deadline reports that Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona is in the running to replace Colin Trevorrow, who directed the first film and is headed to helm "Star Wars: Episode 9."
The publication notes that back in September, Bayona, whose latest directing work will be seen in the upcoming drama fantasy film "A Monster Calls," was rumored to direct the "Jurassic World" sequel. But this report was shut down then.
Not long after, Bayona became associated with the Brad Pitt zombie horror sequel "World World Z 2" before he let that project go allegedly because he was back on board once again in the highly anticipated "Jurassic World 2."
However, Deadline says it is also receiving word that Bayona is yet to be offered the directing gig. His "close relationship" with producer Frank Marshall and his team may have also been misunderstood as a job offer.
At the moment, nothing is set in stone yet regarding who will take the coveted but intimidating director's seat for "Jurassic World 2." It will be a tough task to fill with last year's blockbuster reboot opener netting $1.6 billion worldwide.
Nevertheless, Screenrant believes that Bayona could very well end up getting the prestigious helming stint. His connection with Marshall will help but on top of that, his name being linked with "Jurassic World 2" twice should mean something.
While Bayona is yet to try his hand on projects as enormous as the dino sci-fi reboot, his work in the critically acclaimed films "The Orphanage" and "The Impossible" prove that the franchise will be in very capable hands.
Bayona is also the man behind the Showtime hit series "Penny Dreadful." While his meaty resume should serve him well, Universal Pictures is yet to make "Jurassic World 2" being the director's latest project official.
For now, what's guaranteed is that a script is already set, care of Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. "Jurassic World 2" is scheduled to be out June 22, 2018.
