Critics React to the Franchise’s Latest Roar with Mixed Cheers
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and dinosaurs—Jurassic World: Rebirth arrives with towering expectations and a box office debut that sets the summer alight. Directed by Gareth Edwards, this seventh installment in the iconic Jurassic franchise attempts a thematic reset, blending awe, survival, and ecological tension. But are critics buying into the dino resurgence? Here’s what major publications are saying—plus, how the film is performing at the box office.
First-Day Box Office: A Strong But Not Record-Breaking Start
Jurassic World: Rebirth opened on July 2, 2025, to a $30.5 million haul in the U.S., securing the fourth-best opening day in the franchise, behind Jurassic World (2015), Fallen Kingdom (2018), and Dominion (2022).
In India, the film opened to ₹3.77 crore, indicating moderate footfall with scope for growth over the weekend. Over in the UK and Ireland, Universal reported a healthy £1.99 million debut.
Made on a reported $180 million budget, the film is targeting a break-even range of $450–675 million worldwide. Projections for the U.S. long weekend are optimistic—$80–100M (3-day) and $120–140M (5-day). Global reception hinges on forthcoming releases in China, Europe, and Latin America.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Tepid but Not Extinct
The film currently holds a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, pointing to a divided critic consensus. While some hail its bold visuals and scale, others criticize a lack of emotional depth and familiarity in plotting.
Motion Picture Association: “Dinos Rule Again”
The Motion Picture Association’s roundup hails Rebirth as “a return to visceral spectacle.” They appreciate Gareth Edwards’ restraint in pacing, allowing moments of silence and scale to replace mindless action. Scarlett Johansson is credited for “grounding the narrative with a potent emotional arc,” while Mahershala Ali “brings gravitas to a role that could’ve been one-note.”
The review emphasizes the film’s ecological subtext, calling it “a meditation on human interference,” even if not all threads are fully explored.
IGN: “Visually Grand, Emotionally Thin”
IGN delivers a more critical take, giving the film 6/10, praising the ambitious cinematography but pointing out a lack of narrative freshness. The review states:
“There’s no denying the visual wizardry and scale on display, but Rebirth struggles to connect emotionally.”
Scarlett Johansson’s performance is deemed solid but “underutilized in a screenplay that prioritizes plot mechanics over character.” The dinosaurs, though impressive, feel more like CGI set-pieces than active participants in the story, according to the review.
Variety: “A Cautious Step Forward”
Variety offers a nuanced view. Their critic notes that Edwards brings “atmospheric world-building” that occasionally echoes his Rogue One days. The film avoids the relentless pace of its predecessor Dominion, instead opting for “breathing room between chase scenes,” which may please or alienate longtime fans.
Mahershala Ali receives particular praise for his role as a morally conflicted scientist. The review also highlights the score and cinematography, especially the sequences shot in Iceland and New Zealand.
However, Variety warns the film “plays it safe,” despite opportunities to fully reboot the franchise with a bold narrative swing.
The Hollywood Reporter: “A Roar with Resonance, But Not a Revolution”
The Hollywood Reporter acknowledges that Rebirth injects some “much-needed soul” into a franchise that was getting too mechanical. Johansson’s scientist character, driven by ethical dilemmas and a maternal instinct, offers the kind of character depth missing from previous installments.
Yet, the review also points out that the film’s second act “drags under the weight of exposition,” and several plotlines introduced early remain underdeveloped. Still, the film is commended for “moving away from legacy cameos and fan service,” focusing instead on building new lore.
Whether Jurassic World: Rebirth will become a massive box office success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—it’s a visual feast that inches toward reinvention without quite biting into it. With critical reception mixed and box office off to a respectable start, Universal has built a platform to evolve, if it chooses brains over brawn in future installments.
Sources: Box Office Mojo, IGN, Motion Picture Association, Rotten Tomatoes, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter.
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